FEARS have been expressed that the future of the Phoenix Theatre could be under threat if the Army left Bordon and Whitehill in 2008.

Theatre director Jane Dawes admitted that staff were Òextremely worriedÓ about what will happen to the theatre which currently rents its Station Road home, Barbados House, from the Ministry of Defence.

If the Army announces, as is widely expected, that it is selling up its land in the town and relocating to Gosport in years to come, the future of its existing buildings, including Barbados House, would be reviewed.

Defence Estates, which manages MoD land and buildings, may decide to sell off the building to the highest bidder which would make the site a prime target for housing developers.

However, the MoD may try and strike up a deal to sell it to the Phoenix or devise another way of making the building available for community use. It is also hoped that local councillors will pile on the pressure to make sure that the theatre has a future.

Mrs Dawes said that staff and The Barbados House Association, which runs the theatre, had been agonising over a way to safeguard its future.

But the theatre boss warned that without support from community leaders, a rescue package to make sure the theatre remains in Bordon would fail to leave the starting blocks.

She said: ÒI know 2007/8 seems a long way off, but time passes very quickly and we need to plan ahead now.

ÒWe have a lot of friends and supporters for the work we do, but we need more people to be aware and support our cause.

ÒAs a community theatre and arts centre, we not only serve the local community of Bordon and Whitehill, but also the surrounding areas and, in fact, we work in partnership with voluntary organisations, statutory bodies and the business community all over Hampshire.

ÒWe want people to know that we are here and that we are worth saving.Ó

Mrs Dawes explained that the Phoenix was Òa thriving theatreÓ which did its best to cater for all tastes with its professional comedy, musical, drama and childrenÕs productions.

But the theatre is also the home of two resident theatre companies: The Phoenix Players, an amateur dramatic group with a large number of local members, and the Phoenix Theatre Company - a group of professional actors, writers and technicians who tour in the local community.

ÒWe run childrenÕs art and drama groups and a youth theatre which are full to capacity with waiting lists,Ó the director said.

ÒWe offer disability arts to groups, both at The Phoenix and within the community delivering workshops on art, drama, music, dance and pottery as part of Hampshire County CouncilÕs Adult Learning Programme.Ó

Partnerships and projects with a number of local schools, the police, probation service, social services and a number of other groups also keeps the theatre busy.

Mrs Dawes said: ÒWe have received literally hundreds of letters and endorsements from clients and children throughout the county thanking us for our work.

ÒPeople think that with all this work we must be making huge profits. This is definitely not the case. We only just cover our costs and receive little funding support. But the success of the work we do proves the demand for our theatre and arts centre to continue in Bordon.

ÒI could go on and on about the Phoenix and how wonderful we are, but I think it is up to the public to come and see for themselves and find out what we have to offer and also representatives from local authorities who ultimately will have a say in our future.Ó

In a bid to boost the theatreÕs case, a Phoenix Showcase is being planned for October to which local councillors and representatives from arts panels will be invited to experience a taste of the theatreÕs work first hand.

It is hoped that this showcase will help secure ongoing financial backing which will make sure that the theatre survives and remains somewhere in Bordon.

ÒWe want to make sure that local councils are aware, the arts panel is aware that we have this hanging over us in the hopes they will give us the finances that we need to continue somewhere in Bordon,Ó Mrs Dawes said.

ÒIf we are to continue then we need their support because we are bound to come under pressure.Ó

The theatreÕs plea comes only a week after East Hampshire District Council bowed to local pressure and agreed to draw up a master plan which would act as a blueprint for Bordon and Whitehill if the Army leaves.

The Phoenix is hopeful that its survival will be included in the master plan.