The multi-millionaire owner of Preston’s Guild Hall says he is working to resolve claims he owes £70,000 to a touring theatre company.

Bill Kenwright’s theatre company BKL has threatened legal action, according to The Stage, against the Guild Hall.

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It follows what BKL has said relates to the non-payment of a ‘very overdue and undisputed sum’ for the box office takings from the touring production of Blood Brothers.

The show took place in September last year at the venue and starred Linzi Hateley.

BKL said the Guild Hall had missed payment deadlines and said an ‘amicable and professional resolution’ had a dwindling chance of being reached.

Read more: Circus of Horrors brings new show to Guild Hall

Asked about the reports by Blog Preston then Simon Rigby responded.

He told Blog Preston: “PGH is in active dialogue with BKL on, inter alia, this matter. While these matters are being agreed we do not want to make specific comment.

“In more general terms, we have always taken a consistent and firm position when people make threats of any form to the organisation and or it’s personnel and that position is clear, in that this type of behaviour and intimidation will not be tolerated nor will they be negotiated with. This includes threats perhaps, to use the media to cause potential reputational damage to the business, to gain payment or advantageous position whilst ongoing discussions are taking place.  

“We look after a large number of events each year and are delighted to have a strong and often long working relationship with many of the world class management teams and their artists that book PGH for their events and concerts.”

Rigby has made a number of changes at the Guild Hall in recent months, with former general manager Richard Simkin departing and his leisure offering – such as Review bar – moving into a let model rather than being owned and operated by Mr Rigby.