The Theatres Trust News

Kings Theatre Southsea to improve access to backstage store

paul.connolly@theatrestrust.org.uk (paul) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:57:23 GMT

Listed Building Application: 11/01332/LBC

Portsmouth City Council has consulted The Theatres Trust on the above listed building application on the construction of a door opening to an existing store and the construction of a steel staircase.

The Theatres Trust supported the application. Read the Trust’s response

To view the planning application online, please click here and enter the application number and click search.

Mermaid Theatre welcomes new General Manager

kate@theatrestrust.org.uk (kate) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:48:21 GMT

Alicia Duncan has been appointed General Manager at The Mermaid. Alicia has spent the last 9 years working for Novus Leisure running the operations for a number of venues with capacities from 300 – 2000. Amongst her many achievements she implemented new structures for the sales managers subsequently increasing targets and sales.

Exeter Northcott Theatre awarded Arts Council regional funding

kate@theatrestrust.org.uk (kate) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:11:45 GMT

Arts Council England South West has awarded £125,000 per year for the next three years to Exeter Northcott Theatre to enable then to continue the important work they have been doing. This funding comes from the Arts Council’s strategic fund for theatre in Exeter, one of the aims of this fund is to support mid-scale touring productions in the city. This vote of confidence from the Arts Council will provide reassurance to other funders that the theatre remains an important part of the national theatre infrastructure.

West End theatres cheered by rise in revenues

kate@theatrestrust.org.uk (kate) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:09:41 GMT

London theatre revenues at record level despite slight fall in audience numbers. West end theatre revenues were higher than ever before last year despite a slight fall in attendances, a dip that can be attributed to the arrival of a large number of major shows that closed theatres for longer than normal.

Arts Council England launches £37 million engagement fund

kate@theatrestrust.org.uk (kate) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:12:23 GMT

Arts Council England has launched a £37 million fund aimed at engaging people in cultural activities in areas where involvement is low. The “creative people and places fund” will support around 15 initiatives that will develop cultural experiences for communities that are currently not engaging with the arts.

Greenwich Playhouse to close as Landlords wish to exploit Olympic commercial opportunities

kate@theatrestrust.org.uk (kate) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:25:09 GMT

Galleon Theatre Company is to leave Greenwich Playhouse after more than 15 years in residence. The Galleon Theatre Company, based at the Playhouse since 1995, has not had its lease renewed by landlords Beds and Bars. According to a statement released by the theatre, the Playhouse will close on April 10.

John Letford appeals for city's help to give Dundee's Whitehall Theatre a future

kate@theatrestrust.org.uk (kate) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:29:17 GMT

Lord Provost John Letford has appealed to the people of the city to show their support for the Whitehall Theatre, either financially or by other means, following a torrid 2011 for the historic building. Mr Letford, speaking as chairman of the Whitehall Theatre Trust, believes the theatre could easily become a focal point in the city once again after Dundee City Council and Leisure and Culture Dundee stepped in to save the venue late last year.

Derby Hippodrome survey deadline extended

kate@theatrestrust.org.uk (kate) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:32:30 GMT

Campaigners trying to save the historic Derby theatre say they are “surprised” by the high number of responses to a survey about the building’s future. The Hippodrome Restoration Trust said it had extended the survey deadline due to the high number of responses. Anyone who wants to submit their opinions now has until 1 February.

Huddersfield arts groups may pocket £50,000 Council handout

kate@theatrestrust.org.uk (kate) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:14:06 GMT

Three arts groups may get Kirklees Council grants worth £50,000 at a time when budgets elsewhere are being squeezed. The authority’s Labour cabinet is to discuss the grants at a meeting on Tuesday after the groups lost other funding totalling £70,000. Kirklees Theatre Trust, Proper Jobs Theatre Projects and the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival are to benefit.

Basingstoke and Dean Council arts funding blow

kate@theatrestrust.org.uk (kate) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:37:39 GMT

Cultural groups in Basingstoke and Deane are set to be hit with an average six per cent cut in the funding they receive from the borough council. Central Studio, Fairfields Arts Centre and eight other organisations will all lose out as the local authority seeks to save more than £100,000 from its arts and heritage budget.