MORE than 740 people attended a public meeting last night to air their views about the possible commercial takeover of Malvern Festival Theatre.
Those against the plans, being considered by Malvern Hills District Council, signed a petition and had the chance to ask questions.
The council is considering a takeover by Ambassadors Theatre Group but the current management has prepared a rival bid.
Public consultation
Campaigners were told the council is now organising a public consultation exercise that will include meetings to be held in three different towns.
Speakers during the night included Clive Richards, chairman of the Malvern Theatres Trust, Nic Lloyd, chief executive of Malvern Theatre, Paul Cummings, acting leader of Malvern Hills District Council and representatives of professional and amateur users.
As the public meeting, organised by the Evening News' sister paper the Malvern Gazette, got underway in The Forum - the show carried on in the main festival theatre as Lionel Blair and George Sewell performed in Who Killed Agatha Christie?
The prestigious theatre was upgraded in 1998 after more than £6m of Lottery money was spent on modernising it.
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