New Theatre Royal in Portsmouth is to receive a grant of nearly £1 million, making it a key National Portfolio Organisation for arts investment in the South of England.
Paid over four years, the investment will allow the Portmouth-based venue to further develop its work in coming years, focusing on four strands- the programme of work onstage, artist development, digital development and internationalism.
Speaking of the award, the theatre’s Chief Executive Scott Ramsay said, “The board, staff and volunteers of the New Theatre Royal are delighted to receive news of this investment into our theatre and its activities, which allows us to widen our impact across the city and wider region.
One of the best investments we make as a nation is in our extraordinary arts, museums, heritage, media and sporting industries. £1 billion a year in associated grants adds a quarter of a trillion pounds to the UK economy, and it plays a crucial part in forming the leaders and innovators of the future.”
Chair of the New Theatre Royal Trustees, Judith Smyth said “This award is a credit to the staff and board who have overseen the restoration of the theatre, and secured this grant, including Scott Ramsay our new Chief Executive. We are at a tipping point and Scott and the team will now work with our partners to continue Portsmouth’s development as a place that champions creativity and the arts.”
Established as a theatre in 1856, New Theatre Royal has enjoyed over 160 years as a cultural landmark in the heart of Portsmouth. The theatre re-opened in October 2015 after undergoing a £4.5m refurbishment project to restore the historic building back to its former glory and bring it into the 21st century. The theatre delivers an eclectic programme of diverse acts and events including theatrical classics, comedy shows and musical performances – as well as facilitating and inspiring creative talent in the local community.