Third Round of Small Grants Announced by the Theatres Trust

LONDON, July 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

The Theatres Trust is pleased to announce its third round of small capital grants to theatres across the nation, including one of the smallest theatres in the UK - the Tom Thumb Theatre in Margate - and the most northerly theatre in the mainland - the Mill Theatre in Thurso.

This current round of grants provides assistance to five local and community-based theatres across the UK.

Grants have been awarded to:

• Mill Theatre, Thurso - receives £5,000 towards its 'Roof Repair' project to repair and replace the roof tiles of this Category B-listed Mill Theatre - the most northerly on the British mainland.

• Malt Cross Music Hall, Nottingham - receives £5,000 towards its 'Heritage and Outreach' project to refurbish and restore the Grade II listed Victorian Music Hall enabling the venue to provide improved public access for performances and learning opportunities.

• Theatre Royal, Wakefield - receives £5,000 towards its 'Damp to Eastern Flank Wall' project to improve the comfort and safety of this Grade ll* listed Matcham theatre.

• Playhouse, Preston - receives £5,000 towards its 'Raise the roof!' project to upgrade and insulate its roof.

• Tom Thumb Theatre, Margate - receives £4,636 towards its 'Tom Thumb Restoration Appeal' to restore and improve visibility of its very special Japanese/Alpine inspired frontage.

Mhora Samuel, Director of The Theatres Trust, said: "It's great to be entering the second year of our Small Grants Scheme. Last year we were able to help 12 theatres who needed to undertake urgent repairs and improvements. Once again I'd like to thank the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and Judy Craymer for their generous donations to our Theatres Protection Fund which have made it possible to award our grants. I'm also delighted that our third round of grants is going to such a range of theatres across the length and breadth of the nation."

Rob Dickins CBE, Chair of The Theatres Trust, said: "The Theatres Trust Trustees and I would like to ask everyone who cares about the future of theatres to donate now to our Theatres Protection Fund. Your donations will help ensure The Theatres Trust is able to secure a more sustainable future for theatre buildings. If your theatre matters to you, then please help!"

Kate Carmichael, Resources Adviser of The Theatres Trust, said: "Interest in our Small Grants Scheme has been so encouraging. The Trust received over 50 grant applications in the first year, and standards are really high."

The Trust's Small Grants Scheme helps theatres in need and at risk address urgent building repairs, improve their operational viability, introduce environmental improvements, and enhance physical accessibility. Trustees of The Theatres Trust will meet again in October 2013 to consider further Small Grants Scheme awards.

For more details contact Kate Carmichael, kate.carmichael@theatrestrust.org.uk

Editors Notes

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