Member Article

Small London theatres receive grant boost

Five small London theatres have received a much needed £25,000 boost thanks to the London Theatres Small Grants Scheme.

The scheme, run by the Theatres Trust, will see Battersea Arts Centre, Bush Theatre, The Cockpit, New Diorama Theatre, and SPID Theatre each awarded a share of £25,000 to spend on urgent building repairs, access route improvements, and new office and education spaces.

This first round of grants have been funded by the Mackintosh Foundation, run by theatrical producer Cameron Mackintosh, with the support of the Mayor of London.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “London’s smaller theatres are vital to its pre-eminence as a cultural capital on the world stage. Dotted throughout our city they entertain Londoners and bring in visitors, contributing to the local economy.

“In addition, they are a fertile seedbed for the vibrant talent and creativity that also feeds into the major houses, as well as film and television.

“These awards will help ensure some of our key players can get on with their core business, which is exciting work for the public to enjoy.”

Tim Eyles, Theatres Trust Chair, added: “London’s small theatres face so many challenges raising capital funding for repairs and upgrades, so I’m delighted that we’ve been able to announce these awards today.

“We need to see more capital investment going into fringe theatres if we are to ensure theatre makers have a home in the city to make and present their work.

“I want to say a big thank you to Sir Cameron Mackintosh and the Mackintosh Foundation for their incredible support in making these first grants.”