Council seeking new operators for Thornton Little Theatre after jail upset

New operators are being sought to take over the lease of Thornton Little Theatre as owners Wyre Council look to begin a fresh chapter.

A latest announcement has come from the council just a fortnight after the authority and outgoing operators Cre8iv Little Theatre both issued statements after a piano and theatre teacher was jailed for sending sexually explicit messages to a 14-year-old pupil.

Chris Higgins, 46, of Sanderling Drive, Poulton-le-Fylde, was sentenced to ten months in prison after pleading guilty to engaging in sexual communication with a child.

Cre8iv Little Theatre, which took on the lease in May 2024, said the case had been “deeply upsetting” for the organisation and confirmed Higgins was no longer involved with the theatre or any associated companies.

Wyre Council is now inviting organisations or individuals who may wish to take on the lease to come forward, as Cre8iv relinquishes its tenure.

The new council statement said: “We recognise the significant public interest in the future of Thornton Little Theatre, the Council’s priority is to ensure stability, transparency and a clear way forward for this much-loved local venue, and we are taking action to support its long-term future.

“Wyre Council is the landlord of Thornton Little Theatre, a valued cultural asset for our borough. The day-to-day operation of the venue has been undertaken by the leaseholder, Cre8iv Group Limited.

“Following a review of our legal and contractual responsibilities, the Council is in the process of taking back possession of the building.

“This is a clear and decisive step taken in the best interests of the community and the future of the venue.

“To support a smooth transition, the Council advises that anyone who has purchased tickets, or anyone who has a performance, event or booking previously agreed with Cre8iv Group Limited, should contact the company directly, as they remain responsible for all existing contractual commitments.”

Cre8tiv has appointed Leonard Curtis of Preston to act as its insolvency agent. Individuals or organisations who believe they are owed money by the company should contact Leonard Curtis directly on cre8ivgroup@leonardcurtis.co.uk .

All new enquiries for bookings, future hirer requests or interest in upcoming availability should now be directed to Wyre Council via email: mailroom@wyre.gov.uk

The council added: “We are committed to securing a strong and sustainable future for Thornton Little Theatre. Expressions of interest (EOI) are now open, and the Council invites organisations or individuals who may wish to take on the lease and support the next chapter of this important community venue to come forward”

To submit an EOI, or to request further information about the process and the terms of any new lease, contact Wyre Council’s Estates Team: estates.enquiries@wyre.gov.uk The deadline for submitting an Expression of Interest is Friday March 6.

Full details of the EOI process will be provided upon request.