A Step Forward in Our Journey
Today marks a significant milestone in our campaign to save the Prince of Wales Theatre, as we’re delighted to announce that Cannock Chase Theatre Trust has been awarded a £7,000 grant from the Theatres Trust’s Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities programme.
This funding will enable us to develop comprehensive business planning, fundraising strategies, and audience development work – all critical components as we prepare to take over the operation of our theatre.
Being selected as one of just 10 theatres nationwide to receive this support speaks volumes about the importance of the Prince of Wales Theatre, not just to our local community but as a significant cultural venue within the UK’s theatrical landscape.
What This Means for the Theatre
While we continue to await Cannock Chase Council’s decision regarding their preferred partner for the theatre’s future operation, this grant allows us to advance our preparatory work and strengthen our case for community stewardship.
The funding specifically supports the development of:
- A robust business plan demonstrating long-term sustainability
- Comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure the theatre’s financial future
- Audience development approaches to ensure the venue serves the entire community
This work will lay the foundation for a thriving cultural venue that can continue to welcome over 70,000 visitors annually while providing essential performance opportunities for local groups, professional companies, and educational initiatives.
Next Steps
As we work through this planning phase, we remain in active communication with the Council, advocating for a swift decision that provides clarity for everyone who cares about the future of the Prince of Wales Theatre.
This grant represents a vote of confidence in our vision from the national body responsible for protecting the UK’s theatrical heritage. It reinforces what our community has repeatedly demonstrated: the Prince of Wales Theatre is worth saving.
We’ll be sharing more updates as our work progresses, including opportunities for community members to contribute their ideas and support our ongoing efforts.
Full Press Release
Below is the complete press release about our grant award:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2nd April 2025
£7,000 Grant Awarded to Cannock Chase Theatre Trust to Develop Sustainable Future Plans for Prince of Wales Theatre
A grant of £7,000 has been awarded to the Cannock Chase Theatre Trust to develop comprehensive business planning, fundraising and audience development strategies that will support their aim of taking over and preserving the Prince of Wales Theatre.
The Prince of Wales Theatre has been a cultural cornerstone in Cannock for four decades, welcoming over 70,000 visitors annually and providing irreplaceable opportunities for community engagement and artistic expression. As a professional performance venue, the theatre serves diverse local audiences and supports numerous community groups, including organisations providing performance opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
Following Cannock Chase Council’s decision to close the theatre in February 2025 due to budget constraints, local arts organisations and community members have united to form Cannock Chase Theatre Trust CIO, with the aim of preserving this vital cultural asset for future generations.
Peter Sidgwick, Chair of Cannock Chase Theatre Trust, said: “This funding comes at a critical moment for the Prince of Wales Theatre. With the council’s planned closure date of April 2025 fast approaching, this grant will enable us to develop robust business and fundraising strategies that demonstrate how the theatre can thrive under community management. The theatre is the cultural heart of our community, providing opportunities for entertainment, education, and connection that would otherwise be entirely lost to Cannock Chase residents.”
Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust says: “All the theatres on our Theatres at Risk Register are special buildings that have real potential to bring joy and opportunities to their communities. Theatres Trust is delighted to support Cannock Chase Theatre Trust CIO to move a step closer to its ultimate goal of ensuring the Prince of Wales Theatre can continue to serve its local community for many more years to come.”
The Prince of Wales Theatre is one of 10 theatres to receive funding through the third round of the Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities grants programme, run by Theatres Trust, the national advisory body for theatres. The programme aims to help progress the restoration, reopening or revitalising At Risk theatres by funding expert support.
The other theatres to receive funding in this round are Amulet Theatre in Shepton Mallet, Derby Hippodrome, Doncaster Grand, Margate Theatre Royal, Mechanics’ Institute in Swindon, Morecambe Winter Gardens, Oswaldtwistle Civic Centre and Theatre, Salford Victoria Theatre, and Theatr Ardudwy in Harlech.
The theatres are all on the Theatres at Risk Register 2025, published by Theatres Trust in January, which highlights and supports theatres across the country that are at risk of closure or demolition, and which have architectural and community merit.
Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities programme is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Pilgrim Trust and Swire Charitable Trust.
Notes to Editors
Cannock Chase Theatre Trust CIO
Cannock Chase Theatre Trust is a newly formed charitable incorporated organisation established to preserve and operate the Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock. Formed by local arts organisations and community members in response to the proposed closure of the theatre, the Trust aims to develop a sustainable operating model that ensures this vital cultural asset continues to serve the Cannock Chase community for generations to come.
For more information about the campaign to save the Prince of Wales Theatre, visit: www.princeofwalestheatre.com
Theatres Trust
Theatres Trust is the national advice and advocacy body for the UK’s theatres supporting all forms of theatres, whether old or new, commercial, subsidised or community-run.
Theatres Trust protects theatres and champion the future of live performance by advising and supporting our nation’s theatres to develop best practice in design and management following the four principles of resilience, environmental sustainability, inclusivity and placemaking.
Theatres at Risk Register is published annually by the Theatres Trust to highlight and support the theatre buildings under threat across the UK. There are 43 theatres on the 2025 list, which was announced in January. Every theatre on the Register has strong architectural merit or cultural heritage and the potential to be returned to its original performance use and be a real asset to its community. Since 2006 Theatres Trust has helped save more than 80 theatres on the Theatres at Risk list.
www.theatrestrust.org.uk/ | @TheatresTrust
Resilient Theatres: Resilient Communities Programme Funders
The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why as the largest funder for the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.
Over the next 10 years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities. heritagefund.org.uk
Pilgrim Trust
Pilgrim Trust is an independent charitable trust that was set up in 1930 by Edward Harkness to support the urgent and future needs of the UK. Over the decades, we have supported a wide range of causes, adapting to the changing circumstances and needs in the UK. We give around £3million in grants each year to charities and other public bodies that focus on preserving the UK’s heritage or bringing about social change. Our aims are to improve the life chances of the most vulnerable and preserve the best of our past for the public to enjoy. www.thepilgrimtrust.org.uk/ @ThePilgrimTrust
Swire Charitable Trust
Swire Charitable Trust is a grant making charity. The Trust’s Heritage Programme focuses on restoration, regeneration, and conservation, and on protecting and developing heritage skills. www.swirecharitabletrust.org.uk/
Contact
For more information please contact:
Cannock Chase Theatre Trust
[email protected]
Justine Harvey
Head of Marketing and Communications, Theatres Trust
[email protected]
07939 562557