Wide range of London theatres receive small grants
Eleven theatres receive funding from the Theatres Trust London Small Theatres Grants Scheme for projects that improve operation, access, and environment for staff, artists, and audiences.
Hampstead’s pub theatre, Pentameters, will undertake urgent electrical works which will protect this well-loved local theatre – this grant is the first the venue has ever received.
The Coronet Theatre will be able to provide induction loop facilities for the hearing impaired as it upgrades its sound system, and the King’s Head Theatre will be able to ensure its new venue is as accessible as possible.
While Matchstick Piehouse, a new 60-seat railway arch theatre, will improve the flexibility of its auditorium with extra soundproofing and rigging positions - this work will also reduce the risk of noise complaints from neighbours; 2Northdown, a testing ground for comedians expanding from stand-up, will install a permanent stage allowing artists the facilities to present this art form more theatrically.
The Bernie Grant Arts Centre, in Tottenham, will ensure the safety of its visitors by installing improved security systems, and those attending the Pleasance Islington and Studio 3 Arts will benefit from upgraded heating and cooling systems.
Greenwich Theatre will enhance its new studio space for small-scale productions by installing a new removable rostra platform and creating a new dressing room, so it can better support artists, staff and audiences at rehearsals and during performances; and The Playground Theatre, a converted bus depot which opened last year as a producing theatre, will enhance the functioning of the site with better external signage, working lights and theatre curtains.
And finally the Geoffrey Whitworth Theatre, a 150-seat amateur theatre will refurbish and upgrade its accessible toilets, after water damage from a leaky roof.
The Mackintosh Foundation and Fawn James at Soho Estates support our London Small Theatres Grants Scheme.
The next round of the London Theatres Small Grants Scheme is now open. The deadline for applications is 13 January at noon.
Find out more about our grants schemes.
Photo credits, cover - Pleasance, Islington,