'At-risk' community theatre given grant by council

Cheltenham Playhouse said the grant has enabled it to plan for "a brighter future"

A community theatre has been given a council grant after announcing it would close without urgent funds.

Cheltenham Playhouse announced last month that it needed to raise an initial £50,000 by the end of June as it did not have the "depth of funds" required to survive.

Neil Burge, acting chair of the Board of Trustees at Cheltenham Playhouse, said the "first milestone is within reach" after receiving a £25,000 grant from Cheltenham Borough Council, which owns the theatre.

Ultimately, Cheltenham Playhouse, which will celebrate its 80th birthday in 2025, hopes to raise £100,000 by the end of the year.

A long-term masterplan had been devised by new theatre trustees but financial support is needed to keep the doors of the 180-seat Cheltenham Playhouse open.

The oldest parts of the Grade II listed Regency building date back to 1806, and the former swimming baths still exist underneath the auditorium.

Izaac Tailford, cabinet member for economic development, wellbeing, culture, and public realm at Cheltenham Borough Council, said Cheltenham Playhouse "makes the world of art inclusive and accessible".

"It's only right that we come together and do all we can to ensure the theatre has the funding in place to continue now and long term, for the benefit of our future generations," he added.

The building has stood on Bath Road for more than 200 years

Mr Tailford added the council would be "working closely" with Cheltenham Playhouse to see what it can do to support it.

Neil Burge from Cheltenham Playhouse said the theatre was "so grateful" for the grant.

"This grant has changed the outlook of our emergency fundraising and our first milestone is within reach, allowing us to think more positively," Mr Burge said.

"Along with the incredible donations we have seen from our community, this figure allows us to plan for a brighter future as we move to the second phase of our fundraising."