Fresh Hope for Alnwick Playhouse

There was bad news earlier in the year about Alnwick Playhouse and the Northumberland Theatre Company (NTC) were under threat with cuts to their funding. The Arts Council rejected their joint bid that would have secured programmes until 2015. The loss was devastating, particularly to the Northumberland Theatre Company who relied heavily on the Arts Council Funding. Things were looking bleak for NTC who travelled around the County taking theatre to places that had no access to it.

Fast forward almost six months and things are looking somewhat brighter and more positive. Joanne Potts has been appointed as the new Arts Centre Manager and she has 'great aspirations' for the Playhouse, she said in an interview with the Northumberland Gazette:

"The Arts Council may not have selected us as a National Portfolio Organisation but I hope to raise our profile nationally through the touring programme and seek out suitable projects which can platform the community work on a national level also. I'm confident we can navigate our way through the current funding climate. I have a committed board of Trustees and staff to work with and it will be a full team effort to ensure the Playhouse, this little gem of Northumberland will shine brightly both nationally and locally."

From a personal point of view, Alnwick Playhouse has played a large part in the community of Alnwick and the County for the whole of my life, from getting involved with Schools right up to recent performances and exhibitions. Losing this vital service would be a huge loss and we can only wish the Playhouse the best of luck in these difficult times.