The GC – offering six performance rooms over four levels – was established at the German Club in Flinders Street by Alan Rosewarne, Ron Dent and Colin Koch. It hosted its first shows at the 2016 Fringe, including a series of Irish plays, Abba Gold, the Moonshine Jug & String Band, and Hans & Willsy.

However, Dent has sent media outlets a statement, also posted on social media, in which he says he sincerely regrets he is no longer associated with The GC for Fringe 2017.

He insists it was not a mutually agreed “parting of the ways”, adding he did not instigate it.

Sincerely regret no longer assoc'd with The GC for Fringe 2017. Did not instigate, did not/do not agree … more: https://t.co/I1jucMyjCe

— Ron Dent (@MrRonDent) November 15, 2016

InDaily was unable to reach Dent for comment this morning.

Rosewarne declined to speak about Dent’s departure, but confirmed that both he and Koch would continue to run The GC in 2017.

Rosewarne said the program – which includes the already-announced My Leonard Cohen, a tribute to the late singer-songwriter by musician Stewart D’Arrietta –  will be much bigger than this year.

“The GC has a very strong program for next year with over 240 performances and 50 artists, including some overseas and interstate acts and premiere performances,” he said.

Rosewarne and Koch are both members of the band The Bald Eagles, while Dent works in marketing and managed the publicity for The GC during the 2016 Fringe. In a joint media release announcing the new venue at the end of last year, the trio described themselves as a “sexagenarian team” who were “bringing their arts and showbiz experience together to create Fringe’s newest, multi-venue hub”.

Despite the apparent fallout, Dent is still urging people to support what he describes as The GC’s terrific program for 2017.