Copeland MP Trudy Harrison is seeking government support for the Theatre by the Lake which faces an uncertain future due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Mrs Harrison met the theatre’s directors online after it had issued a statement to say that 43 staff out of 52 may face redundancy as ticket sales revenue drops to zero.
Theatre by the Lake has been awarded cash from Arts Council England’s Emergency Response Fund, which will enable it to withstand the immediate financial impact of the pandemic and ensure our survival.
The Government’s £1.57 billion package of support for the arts, culture and heritage sector could also be a lifeline for the lakeside theatre, but details of what it could receive has yet to be revealed.
The theatre said it welcomed the Government’s £1.57 billion package of support. It added: “We are waiting for more details before we are able to comment on what it means specifically for Theatre by the Lake.
“As of yet, we do not know what funds may be available to us or if funds can be secured in time to prevent redundancies.”
Mrs Harrison said she was seeking to ensure the future of the theatre for generations to come as arts venues across the country reach crisis point because of enforced closure.
Speaking after her meeting with the charity’s executive director James Cobbold and Charles Carter, chairman of its board of trustees, she said: “Theatre by the Lake is an asset to Cumbria and has been an incredibly popular venue for arts and culture for the past 21 years.
“As one of Keswick’s largest employers which contributes significantly to the local visitor economy, I will be lobbying government at the highest level to ensure this much loved venue is able to continue producing acclaimed performances for generations to come.”
She said bosses at theatre had already had to make a number of difficult decisions to manage and maintain the theatre with a “significantly smaller team as well as implementing staff redundancies.”
Patron Dame Judi Dench has pledged her support for the theatre which has cancelled its summer season and Christmas show and will remain closed until 2021.
Mr Cobbold said: “It was great to meet with Trudy and explain the impact of the current situation on Theatre by the Lake and the theatre industry more broadly.”
Ms Stevenson added: “Trudy is aware of just how much Theatre by the Lake offers to the local community – not only in terms of what’s presented across our stages but also the work we do with local schools, young people, people living with dementia and their carers, our Elders and Young Companies, as well as acting as a hub for our volunteer network and friends and the local societies and community groups who use our venue.”
