The New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme has received a grant of £235,000 from the Denise Coates Foundation towards the theatre’s major refurbishment project set to begin this June.
The Denise Coates Foundation grant will be invested in the theatre-in-the-round’s biggest refurbishment since the theatre was built 33 years ago.
Plans for the project include replacing auditorium seating and works to improve access to the auditorium for wheelchair users and audience members with limited mobility. The investment from Denise Coates Foundation will also now allow the theatre to include work to refurbish the New Vic toilets, including upgrading accessible toilets and improving the water efficiency of the facilities, and to replace the theatre’s stage as part of the redevelopment project.
This significant donation goes alongside investment from Arts Council England and means that the theatre is well-placed to meet all fundraising targets to enable work to commence on 15 June this year. Public donations are also supporting the theatre in reaching an overall fundraising target of £757,000.
Fiona Wallace, New Vic Managing Director said: “We are extremely grateful to the Denise Coates Foundation for this significant grant to support our refurbishment project. After 33 years, welcoming over three million theatregoers, we urgently need to replace broken seating and bring the New Vic up to modern standards, to improve the comfort and experience for our audiences. With the support of the Denise Coates Foundation, we can make sure the New Vic continues to be at the heart of our community for generations of theatregoers to come.”
Denise Coates Foundation said: “The Foundation has been a supporter of the New Vic for a number of years. The Trustees believe that the communities of the local area are extremely fortunate to have a theatre-in-the-round on their doorsteps. This grant will enhance the audience’s experience of a live in–the-round performance and strengthen the Theatre’s ability to compete in an extremely competitive environment.
“Beyond its theatrical productions, through its community work the Theatre does so much to improve the life experiences of those that may not ordinarily engage with the arts. A strong New Vic is so important to the area in so many ways.”
Local people continue to support the New Vic’s refurbishment project by donating to the theatre’s Full Circle Appeal, with all donations going towards the redevelopment. The New Vic’s auditorium will close for refurbishment in June 2020 following the final performance of The Company of Wolves and will reopen in September.
For more information on the redevelopment project and accompanying fundraising campaign, visit newvictheatre.org.uk