DEMBE Theatre Set for Long Life
I am delighted to announce that a new ten-year lease for the DEMBE Theatre has been created on behalf of the DEMBE Foundation. This security under a new financial structure allows us to develop this much-loved venue to realise its potential, and a small but dynamic team, is currently being created; one that can lead this theatre with the energy and experience that it deserves.
The support that David and the Foundation has, and will continue to provide, to ensure the theatres future, is very much appreciated, as are the words of encouragement and support from so many of you; clearly demonstrating your love of this beautiful theatre and your desire for it to continue as such an integral part of the arts community in Tring.
This theatre has already had such a huge impact on so many of our lives, and it is a privilege to be part of ensuring these experiences continue for future generations.
Now is a time for embracing change, looking forward, encouraging wider community involvement, and creating extraordinary experiences for children and young people, in a dynamic venue where professional, amateur and community groups can thrive.
We look forward to you joining us on this journey.
Liz Raba
For a more complete story on the theatre’s developments, see below for a note from David:
Quo Vadis, DEMBE?
A Reflection by David Evans MBE
In 1983, when I acquired the building through my company, Grass Roots, now labelled the DEMBE Theatre, the building and the whole site itself was in a poor state of health and indeed technical capacity. Since that time, my personal interest and multi-level support has continued, despite questioning from my shareholders.
Since acquiring the building personally, and placing it in my wholly owned property group, I have personally funded much of its development and upkeep. For many years, the space was leased at a nominal rent to a local community organisation, who were granted exclusive use under that agreement, an arrangement I honoured, even as the theatre remained a financial and logistical challenge.
When I made the decision to bring the theatre back under direct control through my property company, I did so with a clear vision: to secure the DEMBE Theatre’s long-term future. It was always my intention to house the theatre within a charitable foundation that I had previously established, a structure that could protect the theatre’s legacy and ensure its community value was sustained.
Over the past year, our first under new management, we have used the time to listen, observe, and learn. I appointed Liz Raba as my Theatre Ambassador and, in effect, its Chief Executive. This was a vital decision and I must say a good one. Over this year we have orchestrated an improvement in the conditions we found upon its return to our control. A new ticketing system has been introduced, along with technical improvements in the bar, and a general state of order and care that has been noted by all that have continued to join us over the last 12 months. We have spent time reviewing hire rates, receiving advice about technical upgrades and making simple and practical decisions, always with the best interests of the theatre in our minds.
A vital part of this plan was to grant a long-term lease, for an appropriate rental, in order to ensure a sustainable future.
So, no matter what the property company chooses to do with the premises on the whole site, the theatre remains the DEMBE Theatre. It’s funding through the various income sources is secured by the combining local community use with professional lettings. Moreover, my new project of the heart “a kids academy” will have a quality home in which to live and thrive.
Throughout all of this, I must stress: in four decades, my work at this theatre has never received a single penny of support from local government or community funding, and never has, or ever will generate any personal profit for me. It survives, and evolves, because I believe it is important that the area has a special place in which to perform and provide experiences, and to enjoy easily accessible, reasonably priced, high-quality entertainment. I will do my best to guide its charitable efforts to ensure that any money generated is reinvested for the benefit of the theatre, and all who visit. I just hope the efforts over the last four decades and into the distant future, are recognised, appreciated and carried forward.
Fraternally,
David Evans MBE
“How selfish so ever man may be supposed, there are evidently some principles in this nature, which interest him in the fortune of others, and render their happiness necessary to him, though he derives nothing from it, except the pleasure of seeing it”
Adam Smith
