MEDIA STATEMENT

Click here to download a Word version of this statement

We are delighted to be able to announce that Arts Council England South West has awarded £125,000 per year for the next three years to Exeter Northcott Theatre to enable us to continue the important work we have been doing in our very special theatre.  This funding comes from the Arts Council’s strategic fund for theatre in Exeter, one of the aims of this fund is to support mid-scale touring productions in the city.  This vote of confidence from the Arts Council will provide reassurance to our other funders that the theatre remains an important part of the national theatre infrastructure.

This endorsement is extremely welcome coming as it does at the end of a very difficult few years. The Exeter Northcott Theatre is loved by audiences and artists and is vital to the cultural life of Exeter and Devon. This investment by the Arts Council gives us three years security and is an enormous boost for both patrons and staff.

The money will enable us to continue to present high quality national companies including English Touring Theatre, Theatre Alibi, Out of Joint, Richard Alston Dance Company, Ballet Black, Jasmin Vardimon Company and English Touring Opera. We will also be able to continue with our popular year-round family programme – families now represent 37% of our annual audience. 

We are looking forward to working with all our arts colleagues in the city, ACE, the University of Exeter and Exeter City Council to build on our vibrant programme, as well as getting involved with the other exciting local projects that have also been awarded funding.

This funding will allow the theatre to continue to provide inspiring entertainment to an ever growing and diversifying audience.  This starts right now with an exciting spring and summer season that is already selling extremely well.  We look forward to welcoming theatre lovers through our door again very soon – what better way to help us celebrate than by joining us for an afternoon or evening of top class theatre!  

Kate Tyrrell, Executive Director said: "This is fantastic news for everyone here at the theatre and we look forward to celebrating with all our supporters.  It's been a tricky few years for the Exeter Northcott Theatre and the talented team here have shown exceptional professionalism and commitment throughout. I want to thank them and also our stakeholders for sticking with us.  It's extremely exciting to at last have some good news and be able to plan with confidence for the future."

Cllr Rosie Denham, Exeter City Council's Lead Councillor for Economy and Tourism, said: "I am absolutely delighted that Exeter Northcott Theatre has been successful with its application for funding from the Arts Council England’s Strategic Theatre in Exeter Fund. Not only does this give the theatre and its stakeholders a sense of security for the next three years but it also validates the importance of Exeter Northcott to the city’s cultural make up. Most important of all, the residents of Exeter and the wider region will be able to continue to enjoy a high quality theatre experience at one of the city’s best loved venues.” 

Theatre Board Chairman Phil Attwell said: "The University of Exeter has been working very hard over the last 18 months to find a way of sustaining the theatre. We are delighted that the Arts Council has recognised the importance of the theatre to the region. The University has supported the theatre for many years and is happy to continue doing so."

For more information and to arrange interviews etc, please contact Matt Newbury on 01392 223989 or email m.w.mewbury@exeter.ac.uk

Click here to download a Word version of this statement

Click here for the Media Release from the Arts Council Press Office

Regular visitors to the Exeter Northcott will know that every month we have a piece of art on display on our nine-foot plinth in the theatre’s foyer. Devon Artist Network coordinate the exhibition, offering some of their members the chance to show their sculptures on the plinth to be enjoyed by our audiences.

As we head into the Christmas season, D.A.N have invited Devon artist Denny Dormer to create a special star that will take pride of place on top of our plinth Christmas tree. Denny runs Life’s a Beach Art and creates seaside inspired art and accessories from objects that nature casts up on our local shores.

This piece is made from driftwood and mirror glass and also features the small signature square of blue glass found in all of the artist’s unique creations.

www.lifesabeachart.co.uk