“Theatre will always prevail,” says the director of the Riverside Studios after the historic arts venue announced it was entering administration. Executive director Tony Lankester told us: “a win-win for all parties would be to see the building in the hands of a new owner or investor who recognises the social value of the arts.” The team blamed money trouble on “eye-watering operating costs” and debts from a recent refurbishment.
“It’s a really nice place to work so it’s upsetting,” said one staff member. “We are hoping it will carry on in a different way, maybe with different people in charge.” From 1954 to 1974, the studios were used by the BBC to film programmes including Hancock’s Half Hour and Doctor Who.
