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Community Theatre
12 March 2025
Lead MP
Lisa Smart
Hazel Grove
LD
Responding Minister
Chris Bryant
Tags
Taxation
Word Count: 4709
Other Contributors: 8
At a Glance
Lisa Smart raised concerns about community theatre in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Calls for capital funding and sustainable funding for local councils to support community theatres like the Forum theatre in Romiley.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The Forum theatre in Romiley faces a £2 million renovation cost due to RAAC roof issues, which is putting its future at risk. Local government funding constraints make it difficult for Stockport council to afford the necessary building renovations.
Mid Sussex
Agrees with Lisa Smart that local government finances impact the ability to support cultural landmarks, suggesting previous Conservative Governments undervalued community theatres. Expressed concern about the risk of council-owned community theatres being sold off due to funding pressures from social care.
Bobby Dean
LD
Carshalton and Wallington
Supported the idea of community-owned theatres, mentioning the CryerArts centre in Carshalton.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda
Discussed various aspects of theatres, including tax relief, Arts Council England funding, and new writing talent. Mentioned community theatre importance and the £85 million creative foundations fund. Discussed the importance of a balanced theatre industry mix and the challenges faced by local theatres due to budget constraints.
Gareth Snell
Lab/Co-op
Stoke-on-Trent Central
Supports Lisa Smart's debate, highlighting how community theatre reflects local stories and offers educational opportunities while saving money from the public purse through mental health support for young people. Highlighted how community theatres can help alleviate demand for expensive services by providing social outlets.
Epsom and Ewell
Asked about ensuring that funding is accessible to all community theatres regardless of ownership, highlighting Leatherhead theatre's challenges.
Chichester
Congratulated Chichester Community Development Trust on securing lottery funding to develop a creative hub and emphasised the importance of sustainable funding for community theatres.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commends Lisa Smart's debate on community theatre, highlighting the importance of arts funding and its role in community cohesion.
Peter Swallow
Lab
Bracknell
Thanked the Crowthorne Musical Players for their production and asked about benefits for young people in theatre.
Government Response
Chris Bryant
The Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism
Government Response
Acknowledged the debate’s significance and praised Lisa Smart for her efforts in reopening the Forum theatre with a £300,000 investment. Emphasised the positive impact of community theatres on young people's engagement with creative industries and learning about teamwork.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.