← More from My London
Campaigners have written an open letter to Hillingdon Council "demanding answers" after details emerged about a possible threat to the future of the Beck Theatre - almost a year after it was saved from potential closure.
It had emerged that the lease for the theatre had not been signed by either Hillingdon Council or Parkwood Theatres, despite almost a year of operation. Parkwood Theatres took over from Trafalgar in December 2024, following a spat between the council and previous operator which almost saw the theatre close.
Hillingdon Council says the theatre is not at risk of closure, and that talks are progressing, however campaigners remain unconvinced. Jonathan Haynes, an avid Back the Beck campaigner told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): "We hope for a positive conclusion and for an agreement between LBH (London Borough of Hillingdon) and Parkwood Theatres to allow continued operation of the Beck.
"We celebrated Parkwood's arrival last year but need to ensure LBH can get the formalities of the lease over the line to secure a long-term future for the venue before time runs out."
In 2024, Trafalgar were operating on a temporary short-term lease, renewed regularly, however this impeded their ability to book shows as the company was not certain it would still operate the theatre upon the expiry of its contract. Parkwood took over the Beck, reportedly on a 15-year lease, which has not yet been signed.
This has caused alarm amongst Back the Beck campaigners, who say it feels all too reminiscent of what happened in 2024 when the theatre almost shut for good. Campaigners wrote an open letter to the Council Leader, Councillor Ian Edwards, who took over a week to respond, reaffirming the council's commitment to the Beck.
In a public statement, the campaign group says the lack of a long-term contract is harming the theatre. "For the past nine months, Parkwood Theatres has continued operating the Beck under a series of temporary three-month licence extensions - the latest due to expire on 13 January 2026.
"How can a theatre truly thrive under such short-term arrangements? The consequences of this are already being felt.
"Investments can't be made in the building, and several key staff have resigned, citing the strain of prolonged uncertainty and fears of redundancy. Critical roles remain unfilled due to a recruitment freeze, raising concerns about how long the theatre can continue to operate effectively under these conditions."
Hillingdon Council reiterated that the theatre is not at risk of closure. A spokesperson added: "We have been working closely with Parkwood Leisure and the lease will be signed as soon as possible, subject to final details being agreed.
"Our aim was always to retain and preserve the Beck as part of our valued cultural offer, while continuing our drive to deliver value for money services for residents. It would not have been possible to have signed a lease prior to this, given ongoing negotiations with Parkwood."
Have a story you want to share? Email philip.lynch@reachplc.com or @pjlynchjourno on X.
Don't miss out on the biggest West London news. Sign up to our MyWestLondon newsletter HERE for all the latest daily news and more