Theatres Trust, in partnership with The Linbury Trust, has announced the latest recipients of its Small Grants Programme, awarding a total of £100,000 to 21 theatres across the UK.
Each venue will receive up to £5,000 to support projects that enhance accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement.
Among the recipients, The Corn Exchange in Newbury will install a new live-audio accessibility system, allowing hearing-impaired audience members to use their own smartphones.
Arts Centre Washington in Sunderland and The Y Theatre in Leicester will both install hearing loops to improve accessibility for audiences and performers.
Projects to improve physical accessibility are being funded at Barn Theatre in Welwyn Garden City, Little Angel Theatre in London, and The Place Theatre in Bedford.
The Old Market in Hove will enhance its innovative 360-degree digital projection format by installing a permanent projection-grade gauze, reducing environmental impact and operational time.
Digital upgrades are also being supported at CatStrand in Castle Douglas and Kidz R Us in Tredegar, with investments in sound desks and lighting systems.
Environmental sustainability is a key focus, with LED lighting and boiler replacements funded at Ilkley Playhouse, Millgate Arts Centre in Saddleworth, Pound Arts Centre in Corsham, and Puppet Theatre Barge in London.
Volunteer-led Glusburn Institute Community and Arts Centre near Keighley will transform a disused education room into a flexible, mixed-use space.
Vital building improvements are also being funded at Eccles Town Hall and Northern Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) in Hull.
Essential repairs and safety upgrades will be carried out at The Cut in Halesworth, Half Moon Young People’s Theatre and Theatre Peckham in London, Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield, and St Joseph’s Hall in Leigh.
Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust, said:
“Theatres Trust is delighted to be able to support more than twenty ambitious theatres with vital projects that will ensure these important cultural spaces can continue to serve their local communities for many years to come. The vast array of projects funded in this round illustrates the many ways that theatres are keen to improve their buildings to welcome wider audiences and host a broader range of performances and activities. Amongst the essential repairs and upgrades, I’m particularly pleased to see more theatres embracing the possibilities of harnessing digital technology to build a more sustainable and inclusive future.”
Stuart Hobley, Director of The Linbury Trust, added:
“This is such an incredible range of theatres across the UK, and all of them are using this funding to help their spaces to thrive and be more welcoming for people to visit. From better Wi-Fi infrastructure to urgent repairs, and improved access for people with disabilities, these grants have a big impact in supporting theatre and its role in everyday life.”
The Small Grants Programme, launched in 2021, continues to support not-for-profit theatres with essential works that ensure long-term viability. The current round is open for applications until Friday 6 June 2025.
More information can be found here.
