£300,000 boost for theatre

purbeckgazette.co.uk Lighthouse wins vital £300k boost

THE Lighthouse in Poole is celebrating after securing vital funding for the next three years.

The Kingland Road facility has retained its status as a National Portfolio Organisation after Arts Council England confirmed its continuing financial support of the arts and entertainment venue.

The award, of £348,510 per year for the next three years, accounts for about eight per cent of the annual income of Lighthouse, which bosses say will enable it to continue to deliver a wide ranging and great arts and entertainment programme for the communities of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, as well as the wider region.

Chief executive Elspeth McBain said the funding would support creative talent development, providing learning and education opportunities for young people through partnership schools and Lighthouse Academy programmes, as well as supporting professional artists to develop their craft and reach wide and diverse audiences in the future.

“Lighthouse is enormously grateful for the ongoing support of Arts Council England and is proud to retain its status as a National Portfolio Organisation in this challenging time,” she said.

“This news has come at a crucial moment as, in common with venues across the country, Lighthouse is still in recovery from the pandemic and that recovery remains a priority.

“Audiences are returning, but not yet at the same levels pre-pandemic, and venues are facing a perfect storm of increased operating costs, a cost-of-living squeeze on audiences, soaring energy prices and deepening economic hardship, so there are enormous challenges ahead.”

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Theatre lovers unite!

A GROUP that takes theatre lovers to performances across the south west is looking for new members.

The Dorset Theatre-Goers’ Club, based in the Swanage and Wareham area, runs trips to theatres across the region, picking up members and taking them by coach to matinee performances in places such as Bath, Chichester, Guildford, Winchester, Southampton and more.

Now, they are keen to hear from anyone interested in finding out more about the group, which has been in existence for around 30 years.

“We transport our members to beautiful theatres around the south of England in comfortable Excelsior coaches,” a spokesperson said.

They said recent and upcoming trips include visits to the Theatre Royal in Bath to see Fisherman’s Friends – The Musical and a December trip to see the English National Ballet performing Raymonda at the Mayflower in Southampton.

“Every show is a matinee performance, so never late home,” the spokesperson added.

For more information call 01929 425458 or email carp46@yahoo.com.

If you’re enthusiastic about the arts and think you might be interested in joining us we would be keen to hear from you. For more details about PAW and how to apply please go to www.purbeckartweeksfestival.co.uk