Sheringham Little Theatre receives lifeline £76,000 culture recovery grant

Sheringham’s pandemic-hit Little Theatre is celebrating receiving a £76,644 grant from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.

The sum helps offset the losses the seaside venue has incurred since lockdown halted virtually all live performances since March - and limited its 160 seat auditorium to just 40 people.

Theatre director Debbie Thompson said:

“This is fantastic news, and the team here are delighted after some worrying weeks. The grant helps us recoup past losses - and to be sustainable in the future, operating under the social distancing restrictions which cuts our capacity to 30pc.

“It means we can carry on with the programming we were planning – including a panto, some exciting new plays showcasing emerging young talent – and a pioneering project by our youngsters looking at rural racism issues.”

The Little Theatre is a vital community hub for the performing arts – providing a stage for professional and amateur drama, music, movies, and a busy Hub coffee bar meeting place.

The venue is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced today as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:

“This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery.

“These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.”

Chair of Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, added:

“Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages. This life-changing funding will save thousands of cultural spaces loved by local communities and international audiences. Further funding is still to be announced and we are working hard to support our sector during these challenging times.”

• sheringham
• Theatre