BEAM falling short of targets

Hertford's flagship BEAM theatre and cinema is expected to make a loss this financial year, councillors have been told.

A meeting of the council's Executive last week was presented with a report that the venue was failing to meet targets.

The report stated that: "The Theatre is now forecasting a £458k pressure, which is an adverse movement of £191k since Q2. This means that instead of delivering the planned £200k surplus, BEAM is currently forecast to make a £258k loss for the year. This change reflects a combination of lower-than-expected ticket income across the Cinema and Theatre programmes, and the impact this has had on related income lines such as food and beverage sales. The catering offer also launched later than originally planned, which has reduced income in the early part of the year".

BEAM has recently launched a new website, at a cost of £51,000.

Councillors have also been advised that a revised business plan will be available in the coming financial year.