Decision details

Decision Maker: Corporate Director (Economy & Place)

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

Since 2009 the Princes Theatre has worked closely with professional pantomime producers to bring the people of Tendring every December a high quality, traditional pantomime.
Each year (with the exception of 2020 due to Covid) the pantomimes hosted at the Princes Theatre have increased in both attendance and box office income. Now, due to the value of the contract exceeding the £50,000 threshold it was necessary to undertake a full tender procurement process, in accordance with Tendring District Council’s Constitution, Part 5 – Rules of procedure, Appendix A, 4.3 Tenders (Procurement greater than £50,000 excluding VAT).

Decision:

In consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Public Realm, to appoint/award and enter into a concession agreement with Shone Productions Ltd to provide professional pantomimes at the Princes Theatre for the next three years.

In accordance with the Constitution, the Chairman of the Resources and Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee (Councillor P B Honeywood) gave his consent that this decision could be taken under the ‘Special Urgency’ procedure.

Alternative options considered:

Option 1 - To continue the annual Pantomime with current provider. This would have gone against the constitution of the Council.
Option 2 - To discontinue the annual Pantomime.
Option 3 - To procure a new pantomime provider and remain in compliance with the Constitution of the council. (Agreed Action). This is following a full tender process in accordance with the constitution of Tendring District Council. There is an identified and established revenue budget already in place to fund this provision.

Urgent item?: Yes

Publication date: 07/03/2024

Date of decision: 23/02/2024

Effective from: 15/03/2024

Accompanying Documents: