Artists angry as theatre cuts staff and shows

A community theatre is cutting down on original productions, including its Christmas show, and has let go of key staff members.

Local freelance artists and creatives expressed anger at not being consulted about the changes at The Point Theatre in Eastleigh, which one composer called a "mind-bogglingly bad decision".

The venue's artistic director and theatre programmer were both made redundant following an internal staff consultation, which ran from July to August.

Eastleigh Borough Council (EBC), which owns the venue, said the changes reflected a move to prioritise commercial activity and funded community-based events.

They said the changes would ensure future financial resilience and "support a cultural offer that is affordable and sustainable in the long term".

A group of 27 artists and creatives wrote to the council in July to express their concerns about the then-ongoing internal consultation.

The BBC understands that several upcoming original productions have been pulled - including this year's Christmas show, The Frog Princess.

David Lewington is a freelance sound producer and composer who has worked with the theatre for 15 years. He was contracted to work on three upcoming productions, including the Christmas show.

He said the changes effectively meant the theatre would now become a venue for touring acts and tribute bands.

"Nobody outside of the venue was asked about this process," he said.

"For a venue like The Point, which is a community asset, it beggars belief that the consultation didn't go any further than internal within the council."

He said the timing of the decision to axe shows had also left him and other freelance artists in a precarious position.

"We've essentially been dumped mid-way through a contract, so I've lost all of that work at Christmas… it's too late to find alternative work," he said.

"We're just left with nothing."

Several other artists told the BBC they were disappointed that the council did not engage with them further or seek out their views.

Lucy Rachel, a singer-songwriter from Southampton, has close links to some of the creatives affected.

"There was a chance to work together, and they didn't," she said. "They bulldozed through this culturally vibrant thing."

"The Point has been a really vital, creative starting point for me as an artist...for that to not continue in the same way for other young people, that's where it hurts my heart."

The council said it had provided a net subsidy of £712,020 to support its Arts and Culture service, including The Point and its sister theatre, The Berry, in 2025/2026.

In a statement it said: "We appreciate that some artists and creatives are disappointed that particular productions and projects will no longer go ahead.

"We must ensure that substantial public investment delivers good value for council taxpayers."

It continued: "We fully recognise that arts venues deliver social, cultural and educational benefits beyond their financial return.

"But that does not mean their operating models, staffing arrangements or levels of public subsidy should be beyond review."