N OW that Chelmsford is officially a city and that work has started at last on the Army & Navy roundabout and, presumably, also on the dreaded flyover, my interest is now focused on the Civic Theatre. 'Why is that'? I hear you ask.
'What has the Civic Theatre done to upset you'? The Civic Theatre has done nothing to upset me; in my view, however, the time has come to analyse the Civic's place in Chelmsford's golden uplands of city status.
Am I the only person to feel cheated when national tours of 'A-list' entertainment bypass Chelmsford to perform in Southend or Brentwood instead? Why Brentwood? The Brentwood Centre is the least attractive entertainment venue I have visited.
As a provincial theatre, the Civic has played its part over the years, bringing entertainment to Chelmsford. For seven years I was honorary press officer for The Trinity Methodist Music and Drama Group. As such I was involved with the Civic on several levels and enjoyed every moment.
City status, however, creates a wish list of potential icons relevant to this newfound status such as upgrading Chelmsford railway and bus stations, building new homes, hotels, schools and commercial office and showroom space; all of which I understand is being addressed by Essex County Council and Chelmsford City Council.
There is, however, one glaring omission. The provision of a city arts complex to replace the rather parochial current theatrical representation in Chelmsford.
I give you The Fairfield Halls in Croydon as an excellent example of an arts complex; comprising of an 1,800-seat concert hall, which also doubles as a cinema, a 750-seat (Peggy) Ashcroft Theatre, in-house catering, a Grand Foyer boasting exhibition space for trade shows, conferences, meetings, etc, and a gallery for 400 people for banquets, parties, etc.
'A' list artists I have seen there include Howard Keel, Eartha Kitt, Pat Boone and Chuck Berry, all following in the footsteps of The Beatles, T-Rex, Genesis, Morecambe and Wise and many more top entertainers, none of whom, in my view, would play the Civic Theatre as it's too small for international stars.
As Chelmsford is expanding fast, both in population and business opportunities, it is time for both councils to consider a new build arts centre modelled, I suggest on Croydon's Fairfield Halls.
Let us not overlook that Chelmsford is the capital of Essex and the birthplace of radio; as such, the city should be at the forefront of arts development in Essex.
Attempting to resolve the problem in piecemeal fashion will not do in the 21st century. So, my message to both councils is: Think Big and the rewards will be big.
