Former theatre staff reported to police for theft

Former staff working for a theatre company have been reported to the police for theft following an investigation into misconduct.

The BBC understands the allegations relate to a number of staff formerly working at Norwich Theatre's Playhouse bar, who have now been dismissed.

A smaller number of the ex-employees have also been accused of creating "inappropriate graffiti", the theatre said.

A spokesperson added it has been "forced" to make the allegations public after the union Unite announced staff were joining as members following "serious concerns about a series of dismissals". The union said its members deny the allegations.

A Unite spokesperson said: "Our members deny there has been any theft of the theatre's property or any other wrongdoing. And our members will co-operate in full if they are asked to meet with the police."

At the time of the dismissals, Unite claimed Norwich Theatre had denied workers the right to trade union representation.

Norwich Theatre "strongly refuted" any suggestion it had acted unfairly or unlawfully.

The row prompted Clive Lewis, Labour MP for Norwich South, to publicly back Unite and its Norwich Theatre members in their pursuit of formal union recognition.

The dismissals came to light in August following a statement being issued by the union.

Norwich Theatre said at the time it could not comment due to an ongoing investigation into "extremely serious matters" but this had now concluded.

It said it had taken "decisive disciplinary action... given the seriousness of theft from a charity" and the case had been reported to the police.

A spokesperson added: "It is unfortunate that this situation found its way into the public domain.

"This was not our choice, but because of this, we are forced to make the outcome of the investigations public as well. We would have preferred to handle this privately.

"There was no need for this to play out in public and we do not believe this was in the best interests of the individuals concerned or any of Norwich Theatre's people."

Unite and Norfolk Police have been approached for comment.

Norwich Playhouse is the sister venue to the larger Theatre Royal.

It is about to undergo a major refurbishment, with work expected to start in 2028.

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