Posts Tagged ‘Gwent Theatre’

The board of directors at a closure-threatened schools theatre company will be forced lay off more than 30 workers, unless an appeal is successful.

Artistic director of Gwent Theatre, Gary Meredith said if funding is not found notices will be issued by the end of September and the theatre faces closure in December. It follows the Arts Council of Wales’ decision to withdraw annual funding of £250,000.

The Abergavenny-based organisation works with 20,000 youngsters a year and its Youth Service puts on six productions and more than 300 in schools using around 30 freelance professionals including actors, writers and designers.

Michael Sheen has pledged his support after hearing about the funding cuts. He voiced his support in an email to Mr Meredith saying he was saddened by the news, adding that it is a brutal time for the arts across Wales and the UK with the axing of the Film Council.

“It is going to be a real uphill battle, I fear,” he said.

Michael also asked what he could do to help the campaign. His plea to secure the theatre’s future follows an open letter from his cousin Caroline Sheen, actress and former member, last week.

Nick Capaldi, chief executive of the Arts Council of Wales said: “The Arts Council remains committed through its Making the Change programme to continuing dialogue with organisations who’s revenue funding ends in March 2011.”

Let us hope that something can be done in time to save this theatre and its employees.