Theatres ‘in urgent need of funding’ to improve sustainability

UK theatres need additional funding to make them more sustainable, the national advisory body for theatres has said.

Jon Morgan, Director of Theatres Trust, said “a record number of applications” for the Trust’s Theatre Improvement Scheme “shows the urgent need for funding for sustainability improvements”.

Seven theatres across the UK have received funding awards totalling £124,000 in the latest round of the scheme, which is supported by the Wolfson Foundation.

The funded projects demonstrate “the range of ways that theatres can make a difference,” Morgan said.

He added: “This grants scheme, along with our ongoing work on the Theatre Green Book, is part of our overall mission to make theatres more sustainable.”

Funded projects include the Grade-II listed Leeds Grand Theatre, which aims to reduce its water use by up to 50% with new taps, toilet flushes and shower valves.

The Garage in Norwich is using its funding to install solar panels and LEDs, reducing its lighting energy use by up to 80%.

The other funded venues are: New Diorama Theatre in London; the Old Fire Station, Oxford; Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle; An Lanntair in Stornoway; and Cast in Doncaster.

Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said: “At this time of high energy costs, we know that improving the environmental and financial sustainability of buildings has renewed urgency for the sector.

“These seven projects are excellent examples of the practical changes organisations can make.”

The next round of the Theatre Improvement Scheme is now open for applications, with £115,000 to be awarded in grants of up to £20,000.