Arts funding cuts 'to threaten more theatres

The Futurist Theatre in Scarborough is considered at risk due to its prime seafront location

The number of theatres at risk of demolition could grow in the next year due to funding cuts, a report warns.

The Theatres Trust latest "at risk" register highlights 55 buildings facing an uncertain future, with cuts seen as a major area of concern.

Buildings in Wallsend, Derby and Workington are under immediate threat from demolition.

The trust's Rob Dickins said: "We cannot lose our theatre heritage in this way."

Saved

"Our report this year really highlights theatres under threat from imminent demolition and funding cuts," he added.

Mr Dickins expressed concerns that some currently active theatres could end up abandoned and empty, while previously closed buildings are prime targets for demolition and redevelopment.

The latest report also points out how local people are harnessing the power of social networking sites, including Facebook, to save theatres in their areas.

Other arts institutions singled out by the Theatre Buildings At Risk report include the Acorn Arts Centre in Penzance and Crewe's Lyceum.

Bedford's Civic Theatre, meanwhile, is earmarked for closure to be replaced by a council services centre.

The Theatres Trust has also removed some buildings which appeared on last year's list, including Blackpool's Opera House, saved from demolition by extra funding.

But the organisation said it was keeping a close eye on "saved" theatres after reviews of public sector funding were announced.

James Cameron to direct Black Eyed Peas 3D movie

Avatar director James Cameron will make a 3D tour documentary with Black Eyed Peas, according to will.i.am.

The singer says the film will be shot in South America, and is scheduled for release in 2011.

Speaking to Vibe magazine he said: "We have the biggest director, because we are the biggest group on the planet.

"People will be able to see us in the theatre with the 3D glasses and everything."

Further details

Further details of the documentary remain under wraps but will.i.am said that along with footage of the band playing live, the film will have a "dope" storyline, devised by Cameron.

Currently midway through their The E.N.D world tour, the foursome have shows scheduled in Europe, Canada and north America.

Last month Black Eyed Peas reached the digital landmark of being the first artists to sell a million downloaded singles in the UK with their track I Gotta Feeling.

As for James Cameron, Avatar is the fastest film ever to reach $1 billion (£625.6 million) in ticket sales following its release in December 2009.

Jackson glove sells for $190,000

A crystal-studded glove belonging to the late pop star Michael Jackson has sold at a US auction for $190,000 (£126,000).

The glove, worn during the Jacksons' 1984 Victory tour, was among over 200 items on offer, which sold for just under $1m (£664,055) in total.

The sale took place at Julien's Auctions at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas at the weekend.

Some items fetched more than 10 times their estimated value.

"It just shows you Michael Jackson is the most sought after and most collectible celebrity of all time. It was just phenomenal," Darren Julien, who ran the auction, told the Las Vegas Review Journal.

"People flew in from Asia, Russia, all over. Now that he's gone, we now realise the true legend we lost," he added.

The value of Jackson memorabilia appears to be rising. The first of his gloves to go on auction after his death went for $49,000 (£29,900), back in September 2009.

Elvis's hair

A pair of Jackson's loafers, which he wore on stage, were expected to fetch between $2,000 (£1,328) and $3,000 (£1,990) but went for $90,000 (£59,764).

One of his jackets fetched $120,000 (£79,686), even though its estimate was between $6,000 (£3,984) and $8,000 (£5,312).

A white fedora hat sold for $56,250 (£37,353).

Other memorabilia from the likes of Elvis Presley, Prince, Kurt Cobain and Jimi Hendrix was also up for grabs.

A lock of Presley's hair was sold for $20,000 (£13,281), while Prince's handwritten lyrics for Purple Rain fetched $67,650 (£44,900).

A Jimi Hendrix Fender guitar was sold for $180,000 (£119,500).

Fans across the globe paid tribute to Jackson on the first anniversary of his death on Friday.

Jackson's father has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the doctor charged with giving his son a lethal overdose one year ago.