Hampstead Theatre ‘changing direction’ after ACE funding loss

Hampstead Theatre says it will “need to change direction and can no longer continue solely as a new writing theatre” after the loss of its Arts Council England (ACE) funding.

Its entire ACE grant, worth £766,455 a year, is being cut after the theatre missed out on retaining its National Portfolio status.

The theatre has a 60-year track record of commissioning, developing and producing new plays.

“It is tragic that a leading writers’ theatre, having launched so many careers over the years and created work that has been enjoyed across the UK, should be treated in so summary a manner,” a statement released by the theatre says.

Artistic Director Roxana Silbert has decided to step down as a result of the funding loss.

“Due to financial constraints, which are well documented, and after thorough reflection, it feels appropriate for me to resign my post at Hampstead Theatre. This has not been an easy decision,” Silbert said.

“Hampstead will have to recalibrate and change in order to go forward and I wish it every success.”

The theatre has said its Executive Producer, Greg Ripley-Duggan, will be responsible for the transition to a new model.

Writing in The International New York Times, London theatre critic Matt Wolf said the funding shortfall could see Hampstead Theatre become more reliant on corporate and individual philanthropy but warned donor bases “don’t arrive overnight”.

“The cushion of state money let the Hampstead develop broad programs with international reach. Unless the theatre treads carefully, the effects of the cut will be felt far beyond London,” he added.

“To cut the theatre’s subsidies is to advocate, willingly or not, for shrunken ambitions.“

‘Threats’ to new writing 

The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain (WGGB) warned the cuts represent a “clear illustration of the threat” facing original work.

“We cannot simply abandon new writing and the wonderfully diverse generation of playwrights that we currently have in the profession,” WGGB General Secretary Ellie Peers said.

“DCMS and ACE must do more to support theatres and writers in challenging situations and prevent a generational loss of writing talent, but we also want theatres to do whatever they can to protect their writer development schemes and provide new commissions.”

Theatre sector professionals have responded to Hampstead Theatre’s announcement online with concerns for the future of new writing.

Playwright Morgan Lloyd Malcolm wrote on Twitter that the decision was “heartbreaking”: “Hampstead Theatre's studio has been a brilliant place for emerging and mid-career writers to have a chance to show what they can do.”

Screenwriter David Eldridge said the news was “very depressing”.

“There’s no doubt for the first time in my writing life since the mid-90s the new writing culture is somewhat in retreat,” he added.

Playwright Nell Leyshon, who started her playwriting career at Hampstead, hosted an online Zoom meeting yesterday evening (December 7) for “anyone concerned about the future of Hampstead Theatre and Roxana Silbert leaving and what it means for new writing”.

After the meeting, she wrote on Twitter: “Thank you everyone who came to the meeting about Hampstead Theatre. Such incredible minds in one Zoom room. We'll move on as quickly as possible.”