Tipton Amateur Repertory Theatre Society forced to change name after complaints

Members of a Black Country amateur dramatics company known by the cheeky acronym Tarts have had to change their name after complaints. Tipton Amateur Repertory Theatre Society has gone by the name for around 20 years.

But they will now be called Tipton Arts after a school headteacher refused to send out letters recruiting new performers because the group’s old name was “derogatory”, but the group says it was only meant as a joke. The group has members ranging in age from six years old to 75.

Elizabeth Haney, who is playing the friar in the forthcoming production of Babes In The Wood, said: “It was only meant to be a joke. We were formerly known as Tarts. But we have had to change this name as certain organisations deemed this to be offensive, especially in view of our younger members.



“All I can say is tell that to the people of Bakewell and the makers of Mr Kipling’s exceedingly good cakes. It is all in the mind. However, we have done as we are told and will be known as Tipton Arts from now on.”

She added: “I had a complaint from one of the school headteachers and we’ve had things said from a few venues, they didn’t think it was appropriate.” The name has become so well known around Tipton over the previous years that some people say they are sad to see it go.

Ray Brothwood, chair of Tipton Community Association, said: “I always thought it was a very catchy name. It’s just a bit of a laugh isn’t it, why would anyone ever be offended? I suppose it just goes to show the way people think nowadays.”