A SCHOOL theatre which reopened just over a year ago after a £60,000 revamp is closing to external productions from the end of August.

The Eastwood Theatre, based at Eastwood School, Rayleigh Road, Eastwood, was relaunched specifically for school pupils and independent drama groups.

However, the school claims Government cutbacks mean it has received less funding, so it is forced to end the public use of the theatre from August 31.

Neil Houchen, acting headteacher, said: “While the school plans for restructured provision, we do not want to make firm committments beyond August that we may not be able to deliver on, certainly on the current scale and in light of the budget cuts.

“To be respectful of those bodies or groups wishing to hire the theatre, the school has given a reasonable period of notice, seven months, to allow them to consider alternative local provision.”

He added all bookings up until August 31 will be honoured.

In a letter to theatre companies the school said: “The school unreservedly apologises for any inconvenience caused and is currently exploring ways in which the operation can be restructured to allow for future provision.”

Run as a separate entity from the school, which has been a performing arts school for more than ten years, the theatre’s Kings Concert Hall seats 200 and is also home to the school’s £41,000 white and gold Allen Organ, which is the only one in the UK.

The theatre’s website lists two employees, a theatre manager and a senior technician, as well as a lettings administrator linked to the school.

It is understood the change to the way the theatre is run will lead to redundancies, although this was not confirmed by the school.

The closure of the theatre came as a blow to drama groups, including Starlight Productions, which has just staged its annual panto at the theatre.

Group treasurer Steve Volke said: “We got a letter telling us about the change. We were just about to book our next panto when we got the news.

“We were told it was costing the school more than they wanted to pursue the drama side of the school. It’s all the sports that they want to go for.

“It’s very disappointing news.”