PRESS RELEASE

5 August 2013 – For immediate release

Funding success for Nottingham Playhouse as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Nottingham Playhouse has just received news that Arts Council England has awarded the theatre almost £1 million from its Capital Investment Programme.

This programme supports organisations to develop resilience by giving them the right buildings and equipment to deliver their work, and to become more sustainable.

The £996,000 fundinghas come at a crucial time for Nottingham Playhouse as it sets out to make itself more cost effective and efficient for the next 50 years.

In addition to this grant Nottingham Playhouse and Nottingham City Council have negotiated a new partnership in support of the capital work for the theatre.

Nottingham Playhouse is in the heart of the community it serves. Opened in 1963, the Grade II* listed building is widely regarded as one of the best British theatre buildings of its time. Its architecture, however, means it is expensive to heat and light. Investment is now needed to upgrade the theatre’s efficiency and to make the building as contemporary now as it was in 1963 –whilst retaining its original identity.

Stephanie Sirr, Chief Executive of the Playhouse said: “These funds will increase opportunities for performance and participation in a welcoming, sustainable and creative setting. We are grateful to all our supporters and in particular to Sir Harry Djanogly who has made a generous donation to the appeal.”

Nottingham Playhouse’s staff and trustees are delighted at this vote of confidence.The theatre can now focus on spending less managing the building and more on making great theatre.

Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “We are working hard with organisations in the cultural sector to increase their sustainability both financially and ecologically. This award does both and will enable Nottingham Playhouse to ensure that their building is energy efficient and making the best of use of space available. This project demonstrates the theatre’s commitment to finding more environmentally efficient ways of doing business, whilst creating the best value-for-money possible.”

By helping to build a more sustainable theatre that is fit for purpose, the Playhouse will be able to spend more money directly on producing home-grown productions and investing in its audience.

A recent visitor to Nottingham Playhouse said: “Spellbinding; one of the best nights I have ever had at the theatre.”

Whilst the Arts Council funding is fantastic news for Nottingham Playhouse, a further £75,000 needs to be raised to carry out all of the essential work, which includes-

  • Installing 156 solar panels to make the theatre more energy efficient
  • Replacing 50-year old light fittings to reduce a massive 35,000 KW of energy consumption
  • New door lobbies to reduce heat loss

The impact of creating a more energy efficient theatre will reach far and wide.

For instance replacing the Playhouse’s 50-year old stage lighting will save nearly £10,000 per year. This amount would sustain Nottingham Playhouse’s Youth Theatre for two years, allowing the theatre to reach out to even more young people in the city and county.

Stephanie continued: “The ethos of Nottingham Playhouse is that we are a theatre for everyone. Our local community is at the heart of everything we do. We need to create a legacy for our future generations of Playhouse visitors. And with a theatre that is fit for purpose, we can concentrate our efforts, energy and resources on providing quality performances for them.”

Nick Lawford, Fundraising & Development Manager at Nottingham Playhouse said: “We havesix months to raise the further £75,000 needed to carry out all our vital work. In this time if every visitor donated just £1, this could be achieved.”

As part of this appeal, Nottingham Playhouse will be hosting a Pantomime Gala on 11th December, tickets £50.00

To find out more about Nottingham Playhouse’s fundraising appeal, please contact Nick Lawford: T: 0115 873 6235, E:

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Notes to Editor:

Nottingham Playhouse is one of the UK’s leading producing theatres, touring its work both nationally and internationally. The theatre’s aim has always been to invest in the local and regional community by providing theatre for everyone. Set up in 1963,Nottingham Playhouse is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, with critically acclaimed successes such as The Kite Runner.

Nottingham Playhouse is a registered charity (number 1109342) its objectives include: the advancement of education by the production of plays and other productions of artistic or educational value; the encouragement of artistic understanding and appreciation; the promotion of education and training in and about the arts; and the advancement of public knowledge and understanding of the arts.

Arts Council England champions, develops and invests in artistic and cultural experiences that enrich people’s lives. We support a range of activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to digital art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections. Great art and culture inspires us, brings us together and teaches us about ourselves and the world around us. In short, it makes life better. Between 2010 and 2015, we will invest £1.9 billion of public money from government and an estimated £1.1 billion from the National Lottery to help create these experiences for as many people as possible across the country.