'It's emotional' - Cannock theatre boss speaks out over upcoming closure of venue - with redundancies expected

However, ongoing negotiations between the Cannock Chase Council and a number of potential groups have provided hope for the doomed theatre, with bosses saying they are 'hopeful' at the potential of a return. 

It comes as the theatre prepares to close its doors for the final time on April 30, with bosses saying their 'real and genuine' passion for theatre and entertainment is shown in their work.

Richard Kay, manager at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock, said: "It's emotional. In many cases and especially in my staff here, they are here for the environment and the joy rather than the money.

"I think when you work in an environment like this, there is a real and genuine passion for theatre and entertainment that is shown by everyone."

The manager said that while the theatre will definitely close on April 30, there is 'genuine and real hope' that this won't be the end of the theatre.

He said: "In an ideal world, we wouldn't be in this situation. But, I'm increasingly more hopeful that the Prince of Wales is far from finished.

"On a personal level, I really hope this is the case. I've been here for more than 35 years so I'm very much invested in there being a future for this theatre."

Mr Kay said that following the closure, the theatre staff will be made redundant, other than a small number of personnel who will remain for an extra week to 'tie up loose ends'.

He said: "We have around 25 staff members currently and around 18 volunteers. While a small group of us will remain on for a further week to tie up loose ends, there will be redundancies.

"Obviously this also means the volunteers, who work here on a regular basis, will also go too."

The theatre lead said that while the community acting groups who utilise the theatre will also be affected, however, that hope remains for a grand return.

He said: "It won't only be the staff members. The community theatre groups will also lose out. We know that a number of them have been able to relocate so far, but some are still in the process of finding somewhere else.

"We will definitely close at the end of April, but I am aware that the council have interested parties looking to take over. There is real hope that this isn't the end."

The hope comes as the Museum of Cannock Chase also enters its last day, with the museum's doors closing for the final time on Friday. 

The 'Final Curtain Call... For Now's show will take place on April 26, with the last show at the theatre 'The Music and Laughter Show' taking place on April 29.

To buy tickets for the Final Curtain Call... For now, visit the Prince of Wales Theatre website.