A SOUTH Devon theatre is one of thousands of cultural organisations across the country to benefit from the second round of the Culture Recovery Fund.
The Babbacombe Theatre in Torquay has had to weather the storm like numerous other entertainment venues throughout the country doing the pandemic.
After months of closures and cancellations to contain the virus and save lives, the funding is very much needed and whilst it will not compensate for the losses incurred during lockdown it should ensure the future of the popular theatre.
The venue’s owner, Colin Matthews, is delighted at the news.
‘We were apprehensive after not having been successful in the first round and were fearing for the future of the theatre,’ he said.
‘However, I am extremely grateful to government’s Culture Recovery Fund and we can now look ahead to the spring and summer and plan for re-opening and recovery and doing what we do best here - entertaining the people of Devon.’
The funding awarded is from a £400 million pot which was held back last year to ensure the Culture Recovery Fund could continue to help organisations in need as the public health picture changed. The money has been awarded by Arts Council England, as well as Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute.
Colin and all the staff and cast members at the Babbacombe Theatre would also like to pass on their heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported the venue’s crowd fund appeal last year.
‘If it hadn’t been for the many generous donations the theatre would not be here for everyone now,’ added Colin.
‘We really are grateful from the support and cannot thank put supporters enough.
Full details of what’s coming up at the cliff-top theatre are available from their website www.babbacombe-theatre.com