Theatres Trust Funds 10 Theatres at Risk on the Road to Reopening
The Theatres Trust, the national advisory and advocacy body for theatres, has announced the third round of grants awarded through its Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities programme. The £74,835 fund will support 10 theatres at risk as they continue their journey toward restoration and revitalisation.
The 10 Theatres Receiving Funding
The following 10 theatres will receive grants to aid in their restoration and revitalisation efforts:
Amulet Theatre, Shepton Mallet - £6,000
Derby Hippodrome - £8,750
Doncaster Grand - £6,000
Mechanics’ Institute, Swindon - £10,000
Margate Theatre Royal - £5,325
Morecambe Winter Gardens - £8,760
Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre and Theatre - £10,000
Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock - £7,000
Salford Victoria - £5,000
Theatr Ardudwy, Harlech - £8,000
Grant Programme Aims and Objectives
The Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities programme aims to help theatres at risk by providing expert support to:
Increase organisational resilience
Improve skills
Engage communities through heritage and cultural projects
This funding will support a range of work including condition surveys, business planning, fundraising strategies, and audience development.
Joshua McTaggart’s Statement on Theatre Revival
Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust, commented on the initiative:
“All the theatres on our Theatres at Risk Register are special buildings with real potential to bring joy and opportunities to their communities. We are thrilled to support 10 of these fantastic theatres with essential strategic projects that will lay the foundations for their revival. We look forward to supporting them through this journey and seeing the progress they make.”
Funding Partners and Support
The Resilient Theatres programme has been funded through a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside contributions from the Pilgrim Trust and Swire Charitable Trust.
Stuart McLeod, Director at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added:
“It’s fantastic that this important project continues to benefit theatres that are integral to our communities. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, these theatres will have a chance to adapt and thrive for the future.”
Sue Bowers, Director of Pilgrim Trust, said:
“We are delighted to support these important buildings, helping them to move forward with sustainable futures.”
Theatres at Risk – A Vital Community Asset
The Theatres at Risk Register 2025, published by Theatres Trust in January, highlighted the urgent need for revitalisation efforts for several historic venues. The £74,835 fund will directly contribute to projects that will help protect and restore these venues for future generations.
Looking Ahead to the Future
The Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities programme is a crucial step in securing the future of theatres at risk across the UK. These theatres are integral parts of their local communities, and with the right support, they can continue to serve as cultural hubs for generations to come.
