Theatre forced to stop using children

A LEAMINGTON theatre company has been forced to stop using children in its productions because of new child protection measures put forward by the government.

The trustees of the Loft Theatre Company, in Victoria Colonnade, have decided not to use under-18s in future plays because of the recently proposed vetting and barring scheme.

And current legislation has also forced the theatre to stop using under-16s.

Michael Rayns, chairman of the Loft Theatre Company, said: “We took two decisions. The first was dealing with existing law that relates to people up to the age of 16.

“We took the decision not to use under-16s because of the bureaucracy we are currently faced with. At the minute, under-16s have to be accompanied everywhere by a chaperone.

“The chaperones also have to have CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checks. That’s even if they already
have had a check and are, for example, teachers.

“This is just crazy, mad and stupid and we don’t want to play those games.

“The second is to do with the new vetting and barring system that relates to children under-18. No-one can tell us what the rules are.

“I tried to ask the Independent Safeguarding Agency but they said they don’t know yet.

“When the regulations come out, they will come from three different government organisations and I’m just not interested. To be involved with all three would be a nightmare. It would be madness.”

From next year, employees who have regular contact with children must register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority – a new vetting agency that will check the backgrounds of an estimated 11.3million people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Detailed guidance has not yet been published but the theatre company said it feared everyone, from its stage carpenter and barman, would have to be screened before they were allowed to work alongside youngsters.

Mr Rayns added: “We don’t use vast numbers of children in our productions but some productions do call for a child. We couldn’t stage Macbeth and we can’t do a Winter’s Tale without a child.

“It actually does have quite an impact. It’s insane. I don’t think the new rules were intended to stop children in the theatre but it will have that effect.

“If people are prepared to go along with the new rules, it’s up to them. We’re not.”

A review of the proposals is currently taking place after concerns were raised that parents who take children to sports matches would be included in the measures.

A Home Office spokesman said: “The new Vetting and Barring Scheme will mean everyone working or volunteering in a supervisory role with children will have to be checked to ensure they do not pose a risk. We believe this is a common sense approach and what parents would expect.

“In recognition of the fantastic contribution that volunteers make to our community, this check will be free for those undertaking unpaid work.”

Plans to replace Leamington’s Loft Theatre with restaurants and offices were approved by Warwick District Council last week.

The theatre company plans to move from its current home in Victoria Colonnade to the former United
Reformed Church in Spencer Street next year.

The church, a grade II listed building, will be able to host productions with other companies, as well as classical music, opera, dance and film events.