MP to lead debate on funding for community theatre

Local MP Lisa Smart is leading a debate in Parliament on Wednesday on funding for community theatre, with many theatres across the country under threat from the impact of RAAC (reinforced aerated autoclaved concrete).

The Forum Theatre, Romiley is just one example, which received funding for immediate works through Stockport Council, which were identified by the MP in her previous role as a local councillor, and which enabled the theatre to reopen. 

Lisa Smart MP said: “While Stockport Council was able to fund works to make the Forum safe for users and the public, a long-term solution was always needed. The Forum Theatre is one of hundreds of vital community arts buildings up and down the country which have – until now – not had anywhere to go to deal with a problem not of their own making.

“Youth services have been decimated by a massive reduction in funding for local councils over the years, and capital funding for theatres is an investment in services which provide an alternative.”

The debate will give Lisa the chance to directly request the type of investment in arts buildings that has already been made in other areas, such as education. 

Lisa continued: “The Forum Theatre, Romiley is, to my mind, exactly the kind of community arts building that the Government should be funding. NK Theatre Arts do great work there to bring the community together, and provide opportunities to get into the arts for a range of people who would otherwise never get the chance. 

“I will be doing everything in my power to ensure that the Government agrees with me.”