LOCAL leading theatre venue, Malvern Theatres, has just received a great boost to its fund raising with nearly £1m provided by the Governments Culture fund.

The theatre has been awarded a six figure sum as part of the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF).

The fund will help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future, the Culture Secretary has recently announced.

Malvern Theatres is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving this urgently needed support, as part of the first round of grants being administered by Arts Council England.

Malvern Theatres has been fundraising since it closed its doors in March owing to the Covid crisis, and this grant will allow the theatre to plan more confidently for the year ahead, including planning new productions suitable for socially distanced times.

The theatre’s phased reopening has already proved successful and popular with audiences, who this week can enjoy Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads, as well as films in the cinema.

Nic Lloyd, Malvern Theatres Chief Executive, said: “We are beyond delighted to have received this money from the Arts Council, which will help secure Malvern Theatres’ future. The sum reflects our esteemed place in the country’s theatre scene; an eminent status that we work hard to maintain and I’m incredibly happy that the town will have this investment when it needs it most.

“This grant by no means protects the theatre indefinitely, but it does allow us to look ahead and plan more confidently for a future, whatever that may look like post-Covid. Our recovery, as for all charities and most businesses, will be slow, but there is hope. We are so grateful to everyone who has supported our campaign so far, and we hope we can continue to count on our audiences to help us reach the other side of this catastrophe.

“If we can take anything positive from this pandemic, it has been the heart-warming displays of community spirit and fortitude that we’ve all seen and experienced. The people of Malvern have shown their true colours from day one, and I’m incredibly proud of everything my team has achieved in the worst circumstances, and the support our community has shown to us and to each other.”

Oliver Dowden, Culture Secretary, 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 special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery.  “These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.”

Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said: “Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to 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.”

Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming months.

To book tickets at Malvern Theatres or to donate to its Covid appeal, visit Malvern-theatres.co.uk.

The theatre is currently offering limited seating and shows - both theatre and cinema -as part of the Covid guidelines.