The Crescent Theatre on Westside has been awarded £215,000 as part of the government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.
The lifeline grant will help to save jobs at the theatre as it tries to continue operations despite COVID-19 restrictions preventing most performances.
The renowned theatre is already rehearsing for an 18th century-themed production of Cinderella in December, with limited seating to ensure the safety of actors, staff and the audience.
The new government assistance will now help this show to be staged, and will enable the Crescent to continue with its plans for 2021.
Andrew Lowrie, chairman of the Crescent Theatre, said: “This is great news for our staff whose jobs will be protected under this scheme and also for the future of the theatre serving the local community with quality theatre at affordable prices.”
The Crescent Theatre is one of 1,385 culture and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support from the Culture Recovery Fund.
The grants programme being is administered by the Arts Council England, and further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.
Sir Nicholas Serota, chair of Arts Council England, said: “Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy people and life in 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.”
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 places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery.”
By Steve Dyson
