See list of local theatres most at risk as Labour warns of funding crisis

05 February 2023 , 22:30

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Labour warned local theatres could be forced to bring down the final curtain (Image: PA)

Local theatres could be forced to bring down the final curtain amid a funding crisis, Labour has warned

A host of regional playhouses are deemed at risk of closure after years of cuts and as families battle the cost-of-living emergency, the party revealed.

The Theatres Trust said those most at risk include Brighton Hippodrome, Hulme Hippodrome in Manchester, Dudley Hippodrome in the West Midlands, Plymouth Palace and Salford Victoria.

Scroll down for the Theatre Trust's list of the venues most at risk of closure

Shadow Arts Minister Barbara Keeley will use a speech at the Trust on Monday to highlight the threat posed to much-loved community treasures.

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She is due to say: “Labour has always recognised the value of theatres in acting as vibrant cultural and community hubs.

“Local theatres provide jobs, boost local businesses and offer world-class performances that can delight, stimulate and inspire.

“But the cost-of-living crisis means it could be the final curtain for some, with theatres under threat like never before.

“A decade of Conservative Government failure makes a farce of levelling-up, with areas like the Midlands and the North West hit the hardest.”

Areas like the Midlands and North West are set to be hit hardest (Manchester Evening News)

Labour described theatres “as an essential feature of our high streets and a leading force in both our cultural identity and the UK’s international standing as a world-leader in the arts”, employing 290,000 workers.

But analysis from the House of Commons Library shows real terms spending by town halls on theatres and public entertainment fell by 35% between 2010/11 and 2021/22.

The areas with biggest reductions in council funding over the 11 years were the South West, East Midlands, North West and West Midlands.

Just £136.5million was spent last year, compared with £209m a decade earlier, according to inflation-adjusted figures.

A Government spokeswoman said: "We know this is a challenging time for theatres and we remain firmly on their side.

“This is why we have supported theatres, arts venues and businesses with the £18billion Energy Bill Relief Scheme throughout the winter.

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"We are levelling-up access to the arts across the country.

“Funding in theatre has increased through Arts Council England's latest investment round, with £110million going to almost 200 organisations every year."

Ben Glaze