Harborough Theatre Group To Close

Members of an acclaimed Market Harborough theatre company say they’re
“heartbroken” to have to make the decision to close after almost thirty
years.

Spotlight Theatre – which recently rebranded from Market Harborough
Youth Theatre – was formed in the autumn of 1993 with a mission to make
theatre accessible to all.

Since then more than a thousand members have performed in sell out
shows, bringing the magic of the West End to Market Harborough.

Spotlight Theatre is blaming logistical and access changes to its
performance venue for creating challenges which can’t be overcome –
leaving the group with no other option but to close immediately.

Spotlight’s planned performance of Peter Pan will no longer be going
ahead, and memberships will be refunded.

Commenting on the closure, Sarah McKnight, company manager said: “We are
devastated to have to close Spotlight Theatre Company. It has been a
long-standing passion for each of our volunteers and helpers who have
dedicated their time, energy, and efforts into making the Company unique
and special. I would like to extend my very sincerest thanks to everyone
who has been part of our history – from the talented performers, past
and present, and our loyal audience through to everyone behind the
scenes who helped us make it what it was.”

Without making direct reference to the theatre company’s reluctant
closure announcement, Welland Park Academy has responded that the £2.5
million site development project there is “reducing the Academy’s
ability to accommodate local shows in the short term.”

However, Principal Julie McBrearty told HFM: “We look forward to opening
our site to meet additional community use requests again in 2023, with
access to our fabulous new facilities.”