The late actress Lena Horne has become the first black woman to have a Broadway theatre named after her. Horne, who died in 2010, was the first black woman to be nominated for a Tony Award, the highest theatrical honour on Broadway for starring in the 1957 musical Jamaica. Years later in 1981, Horne also …
Shaftesbury Theatre reveals further transformation plans
The West End’s Shaftesbury Theatre has unveiled the second phase of its multi-million-pound renovation. The Grade II listed building is undergoing a dramatic transformation, with new updates including a new 1911 Stalls bar; a private hospitality suite called The Taffner Suite; new toilets; re-roofing to include energy efficient insulation; an air conditioning system to help …
NCA and PCA join forces to create Campaign for the Arts
The National Campaign for the Arts and the Public Campaign for the Arts have merged to create one organisation, Campaign for the Arts. Campaign for the Arts hopes to champion, defend and expand access to the arts and culture for and with the public in the UK. The organisation will use digital tools and its …
Arts Council England postpones Investment Programme announcement
Arts Council England (ACE) has postponed its Investment Programme announcement, which should have taken place today (Wednesday). The 2023-26 programme was supposed to be a big moment for a number of arts organisations, with ACE originally suggesting that it would try to move funds away from London. Initial reports in February suggested that there could …
Cinema drawing in adults faster than theatre in post-pandemic environment
New analysis of data recently published by the UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has shown that patrons are returning much faster to cinemas and exhibitions than live music shows and theatre productions. However, the data shows a positive trajectory in post-pandemic arts attendance by English adults. The analysis was undertaken and …
Soho Place owner says theatre tickets should be kept low during economic crisis
Nica Burns, owner of the new Soho Place theatre, West End producer, and co-founder of Nimax Theatres, has said that keeping ticket prices low will be key for the survival of venues during the cost-of-living crisis. In an interview with BBC News, Burns said: “Theatre has always proved itself very resilient. I agree with everything …
UK Theatre Awards crowns 2022 winners
The 2022 UK Theatre Awards revealed its winners at a London ceremony yesterday (Sunday), with Leeds Playhouse coming away the most decorated. The theatre won three awards including the UK’s Most Welcoming Theatre, Best Design for Laura Hopkins and Simon Wainwright for ‘Dracula: The Untold Story’ and Best Performance in a Musical for Divina de …
Theatre Deli receives grant to spruce up new Sheffield space
Key Fund, a social investment fund for the North and the Midlands in the UK, has awarded national arts charity Theatre Deli a mixed grant and loan worth £150,000 ($167,000/€171,000) to refurbish a new Sheffield venue. The award includes a grant of £50,000 and a loan of £100,000, which can be paid back over a …
Survey shows people will hunt for free events amid cost-of-living concerns
Three quarters of people expect to spend less on paid-for entertainment in the coming year due to cost-of-living concerns. The Audience Agency’s latest Cultural Participation Monitor figures show that 74% of the public agreed that they expect to do fewer paid-for entertainment and leisure activities over the next year, with 35% strongly agreeing. Some 68% …
Arts Council England progresses accessibility plan
Arts Council England (ACE) has launched a consultative survey with venues as it develops plans to create a UK wide access scheme that will make attending creative and cultural events easier for disabled, D/deaf and neurodivergent people. The government-funded body dedicated to promoting the performing, visual and literary arts in England will discuss a variety …