Dear Theatre Supporters,
We hope this newsletter finds you well. It’s been a busy time for the Cannock Chase Theatre Trust, and we wanted to share some important updates on our progress towards saving the Prince of Wales Theatre.
🎭 NEW BRANDING UNVEILED 🎭
Today we’re excited to share our newly launched branding with you! Our refreshed visual identity reflects our mission and values:
THE THEATRE CURTAINS: Representing a welcoming space where people come together to connect, create, and be inspired. An inclusive environment where stories are shared and creativity thrives.
THE PINE TREE: Inspired by the natural beauty of Cannock Chase, symbolising strength, growth, and resilience. Just as the trees stand tall and rooted, our creative community continues to flourish and support one another.
THE RENEWAL: The revolving arrow represents renewal and progress, mirroring our charity’s mission, symbolising fresh beginnings and our drive to evolve into something even stronger.
📋 RECENT MEETINGS AND PROGRESS 📋
Josh Newbury MP Public Meeting (14th March)
The team provided updates during the public meeting arranged by our local MP:
- Trust Setup: We’ve established Cannock Chase Theatre Trust as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and are awaiting final confirmation of our registration from the Charities Commission, expected in the coming weeks.
- Business Proposal: Following our February meeting with the council, we’ve refined our proposal, particularly around the revenue model which will be key to securing the theatre’s future.
Josh has been instrumental in raising awareness in Parliament about both the theatre and museum, and has helped gain clarity on LUF funding status while arranging discussions with government departments about potential funding options.
AmDram User Group Meeting (17th March)
We met with representatives from local amateur dramatic groups to discuss our operational model:
- We shared our timeline expectation of 18 months before the theatre can reopen.
- Discussed necessary changes to ensure financial sustainability.
We’re committed to a fair model that balances financial viability with supporting our local performing groups. As a non-profit organisation, any surplus will be reinvested into the theatre’s restoration and improvement.
CCDC Economic Prosperity Scrutiny Committee Meeting (19th March)
One of our trustees attended this meeting which provided clarity on the current Levelling Up Fund phases:
- £17.75m of the £20m fund is already committed (Phase 1: £9m, Phase 2: £8.75m), with confirmation of extension to March 2026 for future commitments, possibly extending to March 2027.
- Highways work on Beecroft Road will begin in mid-May 2025.
- Northern Gateway works planned to start August 2025.
- Phase 2 demolitions scheduled to start this summer.
- The council is actively seeking new development for the town centre.
Council Meeting (20th March)
We presented our detailed revenue and business plans to council representatives. There is now a waiting period while legislative processes are carried out and the council decides on their preferred partner.
Once this decision is made, we’re ready to move quickly! If all goes according to plan, work could begin this summer – utilising the closure period necessitated by the car park demolition to implement our improvements.
The council has assured professional support from their consultancy partners relating to economic and business development to help us achieve our goals.
⏳ NEXT STEPS ⏳
We’re currently in a holding pattern while we await:
- Confirmation of our charity registration status.
- The council’s decision on their preferred partner for securing the theatre’s future.
Once these milestones are reached (hopefully within the next few weeks), we can begin applying for grants and funding in earnest.
We plan to arrange a public meeting soon where we’ll share more details about our plans and how people can get involved in achieving our goal of reopening the Prince of Wales Theatre doors.
🤝 GET INVOLVED 🤝
Your support is vital to our campaign’s success. Here’s how you can help:
- Stay updated: Check our website regularly at www.princeofwalestheatre.com
- Spread the word: Share our Facebook posts and invite your friends and family to follow our page.
- Attend: Keep an eye out for our upcoming public meeting announcement.
- Volunteer: We’ll soon be sharing opportunities to contribute your skills and time.
Thank you for your continued support and passion for preserving this vital cultural asset for our community.