Dame Judi Dench calls plans to scrap arts funding in Suffolk 'heart-breaking'
She's patron of a theatre in Bury St Edmunds
Last updated 8th Jan 2024
Dame Judi Dench says she's 'deeply shocked' by a Suffolk authority's plan to scrap its art funding.
Last week, Suffolk County Council announced it would be cutting £65 million from its budget - £500,000 of which would come from the arts sector.
The Hollywood actress, who's a patron of the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds, has now released a statement via the theatre, condemning the move.
It reads: "As Theatre Royal’s Life Patron, I am deeply shocked to hear of the proposed cut to its funding by Suffolk County Council.
"Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds plays a vital role in the lives of so many, especially those most vulnerable.
"The removal of this support is heart-breaking, regional theatre is the foundation of British theatre and its place in our lives must be protected."