Arts Council England Announces Three-Year Funding for Exeter Northcott Theatre

We are delighted to announce that Arts Council England has recognised the invigorating work and vision of the Exeter Northcott Theatre and has awarded funding under its National Portfolio Programme for 2015-2018.

This fantastic news comes at a time when the Theatre is thriving, with the 243 shows on offer this year, and audience numbers increased to over 67,000 in the last year. The national touring production of The Mousetrap is almost sold out for this week, some 90 members of Exeter's community are busy rehearsing for premier of the musical The Day We Played Brazil, and our packed autumn season goes on sale shortly.

The Arts Council's recognition of the imaginative approach taken by the team at the Theatre is an enormous vote of confidence and we are looking forward to working with them and our audiences to continue to build on our exciting programme. This investment reflects the recent energy and ambitious trajectory of growth of culture in Exeter and will help us to deliver a business plan that builds an ambitious, realistic, creative and sustainable future for the Exeter Northcott Theatre and Exeter itself.

Kate Tyrrell, Executive Director said, "We are passionate about the value of live theatre and performance to society and, in partnership with our key stakeholders, the University of Exeter and Exeter City Council, we have reinvigorated the Northcott stage as part of a new age for one of the UK's fastest growing cities. We are also passionate about nurturing experience, training and skills, new work, and working collaboratively. Arts Council England's investment is a ringing endorsement of our work together and is testament to the high regard in which the Theatre is held, particularly given the financially challenging times we live in.

We are mindful that the news is not so good for some organisations and will be looking for ways to ensure that the benefit to audiences and artists from the Arts Council's demonstration of faith in the Exeter Northcott Theatre will be widespread and meaningful. ACE funding will enable us to continue providing the high quality inspiration and entertainment enjoyed by our ever increasing and diversifying audience but it will also enable us to reach out beyond the theatre walls with performances and projects that will place us at the centre of the community we serve. We will be celebrating this great news with The Day We Played Brazil and encourage everyone to come along and join us - opens on 16th July."

Chair, Lucy, Lady Studholme said: "This is a very happy day, and one that brings just reward and recognition for the entire team at the Exeter Northcott Theatre. With its loyal volunteers, and committed staff, the Theatre has successfully responded to the seismic changes and challenges that the performance world - particularly out of London - are facing, and along with the support and will of the main stakeholders, the University of Exeter and Exeter County Council, Arts Council England has invested in the future of theatre for Exeter.
Alongside this funding, the Northcott continues to grow and nurture local support from its audiences and visionary philanthropists who understand how vital a live and learning performance hub is for the cultural health of Exeter. Working with colleagues across the City, the Exeter Northcott Theatre is committed to embedding the Exeter Cultural Partnership, and to continue delivering high quality wonderful, stimulating, entertaining - and sometimes challenging - performances to our growing audiences.

Under the leadership of Kate Tyrrell, the entire Northcott Theatre staff have worked extremely hard to achieve great things within a challenging budget, and in a climate of real threat to regional theatre. The recent programme included top national touring productions such as Translations and As You Like It, premieres of new work such as Ciphers, our community play with Exeter City Football Club The Day We Played Brazil, and, in association with the Common Players, our touring production of Jerusalem.

Hats off to Executive Director Kate Tyrrell and her hard-working team of staff and volunteers. A big thank you to Arts Council England, and here's to the Exeter Northcott Theatre and the future of live performance for Exeter!"

Exeter City Councillor Rosie Denham said: "I am delighted to hear that the Arts Council has recognised the reinvigoration of the Exeter Northcott Theatre and the fantastic contribution it makes to the cultural life of the city and region. Exeter is teeming with talented artists and enthusiastic audiences, and we look forward to continuing to work with the theatre to build on its success."

Phil Attwell, Acting Director of Campus Services at the University of Exeter said: "The University is delighted that the Exeter Northcott Theatre has been successful in its bid, and that the Arts Council has recognised the importance of the theatre to the region. The University has supported the theatre for many years, and this decision will enable the theatre to continue delivering its fantastic programme of events for the enjoyment of everyone in Exeter, Devon and beyond."