As the fees and charges for use of the Plowright Theatre for 2011 � 2012 are currently under review the documentation makes interesting reading. The agreement between SMG and the council required the pricing policy to be agreed between both parties, as SMG would take over the operation of the theatre as from 1st April 2011. The hire fees needed setting now to allow confirmation of bookings for the coming year as this would enable the Drama Federation to plan their programme. The Plowright Theatre In line with the approach that council officers would have recommended had previous management arrangements for the theatre continued, SMG had proposed an increase on existing fees based on current Retail Price Index pending a more fundamental review for the new financial year for 2012-13. This review would take place between June and October 2011. Some cynics would say there is a reason for this review taking place after the local elections in May. Other proposals are to streamline the charging categories, remove anomalies, bringing issues such as box office and credit card charges in line with current industry practice and a �1 booking fee on tickets bought through the box office unless purchased in person. A member of SMG staff to be always present when the Plowright is in use by a hirer at a cost of �16 per hour if a member of staff would not otherwise be on site. Hire Type 2011-12 Per day - 1 performance +10% commission on ticket prices �927 Per day without performance �675 Technician/Stage crew � per hour �16 Workshop rate � closed session �310 Workshop rate � open session �354 Sunday/Bank holiday ( as above plus staffing) VOLUNTARY SECTOR/COUNCIL DEPTS/NON COMMERCIAL Evening performance (Mon-Fri) �337 Evening performance (Sat � including get out) �351 Full day to include 1 performance (Mon-Fri) �449 Full day to include 1 performance (Sat) �562 Additional performance eg matinee �168 Get-in/Tech/Dress Rehearsal (Mon-Fri) �203 Get-in/Tech/Dress Rehearsal (Sun) �261 Technician/Stage crew � per hour �16 Ticket provision � per performance �12 Dance Festival �412 Workshop rate � closed �311 DRAMA FEDERATION Evening performance (Mon-Fri) �208 Evening performance (Sat � including get out) �213 Full day to include 1 performance (Mon-Fri) �274 Full day to include 1 performance (Sat) �342 Additional performance eg matinee �118 Get-in/Tech/Dress Rehearsal (Mon-Fri) �123 Get-in/Tech/Dress Rehearsal (Sun) �165 Extra Hours (before 09:00 & after 22:30) �67 Ticket provision per performance �12 DANCE SCHOOLS Evening performance (Mon-Fri) �562 Evening performance (Sat � including get out) �590 Additional performance eg matinee (Mon-Fri) �270 Additional performance eg matinee (Sat) �292 Get-in/Tech/Dress Rehearsal (Mon-Fri) �342 Get-in/Tech/Dress Rehearsal (Sun) �365 Technician/Stage crew � per hour �16 Ticket provision per performance �12 Sunday/Bank holiday (as above plus staffing) These fees are for the hirer and not for patrons paying per visit. It has been recommended that the Cabinet agrees the above fees and charges for the year 2011-2012 and that a review of the current charging structure is undertaken with all parties between June and October 2011, in readiness for the 2012-13 season. Could these prices be a gauge to SMG�s pricing policy when they set out fees and charges in readiness for running the Baths Hall and why have a more fundamental review of prices between June and October this year?