House of Commons · Westminster Hall
12 March 2025 · 8 other contributors · 4,709 words
Opened by Lisa Smart Lib Dem Hazel Grove
Responding minister: Chris Bryant
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Lisa Smart raised concerns about community theatre in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Calls for capital funding and sustainable funding for local councils to support community theatres like the Forum theatre in Romiley.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
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.
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.
Supported the idea of community-owned theatres, mentioning the CryerArts centre in Carshalton.
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.
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.
Asked about ensuring that funding is accessible to all community theatres regardless of ownership, highlighting Leatherhead theatre's challenges.
Congratulated Chichester Community Development Trust on securing lottery funding to develop a creative hub and emphasised the importance of sustainable funding for community theatres.
Commends Lisa Smart's debate on community theatre, highlighting the importance of arts funding and its role in community cohesion.
Thanked the Crowthorne Musical Players for their production and asked about benefits for young people in theatre.
Government Response
Chris BryantThe Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism
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.