Still hope, say staff at cash-hit Riverside Studios

“THEATRE will always prevail,” says the director of the Riverside Studios after the historic arts venue announced it was entering administration.

Executive director Tony Lankester told us: “a win-win for all parties would be to see the building in the hands of a new owner or investor who recognises the social value of the arts.”

The team blamed money trouble on “eye-watering operating costs” and debts from a recent refurbishment. “It’s a really nice place to work so it’s upsetting,” said one staff member. “We are hoping it will carry on in a different way, maybe with different people in charge.” From 1954 to 1974, the studios were used by the BBC to film programmes including Hancock’s

Half Hour and Doctor Who, pictured.