A STANDING ovation has been given to proposals to put Scunthorpe's Plowright Theatre under the same management as the new-look £16-million Baths Hall when it is opened next year.

Two of the three shortlisted bidders said the idea under consideration by the theatre owners at North Lincolnshire Council would raise the profile of the town in the entertainment world.

One bidder said the move could place Scunthorpe under the spotlight of the national touring circuit.

Derek Nicholls, the chief executive officer of the London-based HQ Theatres Group, said: "Some professional drama would find its natural home at the Plowright too."

Nick Reed, the theatres director for the rival bidders from the Manchester-based SMG Europe Group.

Mr Reed said: "SMG Europe is pleased to have the opportunity to include management of The Plowright Theatre as part of our bid to operate the Baths Hall."

He added:

"We propose to enhance this by using the marketing, box office and technical infrastructure at the Baths Hall to support the operation of the theatre.

"For community groups using the Plowright this will mean access to a comprehensive box office service."

And he added bringing the management of both venues under the same umbrella will crucially "add visibility to Scunthorpe's position on the national touring circuit and provide security for the Plowright Theatre"

A spokeswoman for the third preferred bidder at Sheffield International Venues (SIV) declined to comment.

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