THEATRE groups have expressed their delight that the  Exeter Northcott has been saved  from immediate closure.

 As reported in the Echo, the  Arts Council has provided  £100,000, which will enable the  theatre to complete most of its  spring programme and talks are  continuing to ensure the  theatre’s long-term future.

 It was feared the theatre may  have  to close after running into  financial difficulties.

 Daisy Campey, a member of  the university’s Footlights company which regularly uses the  Northcott, said news it had been  granted a reprieve came as a  relief.

 “It is so much easier to use the  Northcott,” she said. “It is so  accessible. We have had a relationship with them for years,  so it is nice to know it has been  saved.”

She said members of the  theatre group had been  “saddened” when they thought  the theatre would have to close.  “Everyone was a bit shocked  and disappointed,” she said.

 Annemarie MacDonald, marketing director of  Exeter-based  Theatre Alibi which also reg  ularly performs at the theatre,  said: “We’re absolutely delighted. The Northcott is a valued partner and colleague and  we have worked with the people  there for many years, so we’re  really pleased that the spring  programme is going ahead.

“We’re very proud to be working with the Northcott on our  current production, Ministry of  Fear, which is opening at the  Oxford Playhouse.”

Amy Powderham, president  of the university’s Northcott  Theatregoers Society and a  member of the Exeter University Theatre Company, said:  “It’s great news they have found  support to carry on. But I agree  with what a lot of people have  been saying that we have been  here before.

 “There was a lot of support for  it to stay open. But unless people  carry on supporting it and carry  on buying tickets, it’s going to  end up in the same situation. It’s  great news that it can carry on,  as long as people continue to  support it.

“The spring programme is a  bit different and a bit more appealing and it’s good that they  can finish it off.”