BEVERLEY – East Riding Theatre is facing a public rift after founder and Hollywood actor Vincent Regan announced his resignation from the organisation, releasing a detailed statement criticising the theatre’s leadership and direction. His decision has prompted a full response from ERT’s trustees, who firmly rejected his remarks and defended the organisation’s current management.
What has followed is a wave of local reaction from those who have worked with the theatre and those who support Regan’s view, reflecting a community both surprised and concerned about the future of one of Beverley’s most important cultural institutions.
Regan said he felt unable to continue in his founding role after what he described as a breakdown in confidence in how the theatre is currently run.
In his statement he said he had been “deeply troubled for some time by the atmosphere at the theatre” and that he believed “creative professionals have not been supported in the way they should be”. He said the theatre risked drifting away from its original purpose, adding that “the environment behind the scenes has become increasingly difficult” and that he could “no longer endorse the direction being taken.” He also raised concerns about the experience on his recent production, stating that “relationships during the process were strained” and that this confirmed for him that “a fundamental change was needed.”
ERT’s trustees responded with a detailed public statement of their own.
They said they were “surprised and disappointed” by Mr Regan’s resignation and rejected his concerns about the environment within the organisation.
In their words, “we do not recognise the picture that has been painted” and they said the theatre “remains a supportive, collaborative place where creative talent is welcomed and encouraged.” They emphasised improvements made over recent years, stating that “the theatre is more open and more accessible than at any point in its history” and that many of the issues referred to by Vincent Regan “do not reflect the experience of those currently working with us.” They also said they remained committed to “a positive and flourishing future” for the venue.
Local reaction has reflected this divide. One person who had recently worked with the theatre offered a very different perspective to the Hollywood star. He said “the management and technical team were extremely helpful and could not do enough for us.”
He added “it is mostly due to the current team that amateur companies have finally been allowed to put productions on” and expressed concern that returning to a more closed structure would be a backwards step.
He also said that some of the issues raised by Mr Regan may have been influenced by the reception to his recent show, saying “the whole thing smacks to me of him taking his ball in and going home with his tail between his legs because some of the audiences were so bad.”
In contrast, another contributor who supported Mr Regan said his concerns were not unfounded. He said “it has never felt like a place where creative professionals were genuinely supported or listened to” and described parts of the management structure as “increasingly toxic.” He added that “talented people have been pushed out instead of supported” and said “something probably needs to change.” His hope was that the theatre might “reflect on these issues and rebuild a healthier, more respectful culture.”
Despite the dispute, the theatre’s importance to Beverley is not in question. Since opening, East Riding Theatre has produced award winning shows, brought acclaimed national and local performers to the town, supported emerging talent and created a venue that has become a cultural anchor for the community. Its Christmas productions, youth theatre programmes, visiting companies, musical performances and original dramas have all contributed to a reputation that far exceeds its size. Volunteers, staff, audiences and artists have poured in thousands of hours of work and passion to build something that has become a genuine point of pride for Beverley.
That legacy matters. Many people responding to the current situation have expressed the same underlying concern, which is not about choosing sides but about ensuring the theatre continues to thrive. Whatever happens in the weeks ahead, the hope across the town is that ERT can move beyond this dispute, protect what has been achieved and continue its journey towards even greater things. It remains one of Beverley’s cultural landmarks, and its success is seen not just as desirable, but essential for the town’s future creative life.
East Riding Theatre is facing a public dispute after actor and Beverley resident Vincent Regan announced his resignation from the organisation and set out a series of concerns about how the venue is being run. His statement, shared on social media, has prompted a strong response from the theatre’s trustees and sparked wide discussion among supporters, volunteers and audiences.
Mr Regan, who was part of the group that helped establish the theatre in 2014, says his position has become untenable. He argues that two artistic directors he recruited, who he says were well regarded in the creative community, were removed without his involvement. He claims this left him as the only creative professional still engaged with the organisation. He is also critical of the development of an alternative Christmas show while he was abroad and questions the decision for the theatre manager to take on directing responsibilities. In his view, the theatre has drifted away from its creative foundations, and he intends to raise governance concerns with the Charity Commission.
The trustees strongly reject his account. In a detailed response circulated to supporters and volunteers, they say the artistic directors were external contractors whose agreements were ended through proper procedures and with union involvement, following concerns about experience, conduct and performance.
They say no decisions were taken behind anyone’s back and that changes to the Christmas programme became necessary after a budget shortfall. They defend the professionalism of the current team, challenge what they describe as unfair criticism of staff and emphasise that the theatre was founded by several people rather than by any single individual.
They add that they are confident their governance would withstand scrutiny.
Reactions from the community echo the contrasting positions. Anthony Musgrave, who recently staged an amateur production at ERT, has praised the current management and technical team as supportive and dedicated. He says the theatre has finally become accessible to local amateur groups after years of difficulty and believes concerns about a lack of creative professionals risk reversing that progress. He also suggests that audience numbers for Mr Regan’s recent show may have created tensions.
In contrast, commenter Christopher Hall backs Mr Regan’s concerns and says the culture at the theatre has become increasingly difficult for creative professionals. He believes the atmosphere within parts of management has been unhealthy and that skilled people have been pushed out rather than supported. He hopes the organisation will reflect seriously on these issues and rebuild a stronger, more respectful environment.