Peterborough theatre looking forward to welcoming back audiences after £1.57bn support for the arts

The theatre has been closed since March under lockdown, but the easing of Government Covid-19 restrictions has seen the recent reopening of some shops at The Cresset and the Fayre Spot pub.

There is a rolling rescheduling programme of shows stretching well into 2021

- with no indication of when it will be able to reopen - but at least news of the funding is seen a positive step in the right direction.

Penny Hansen​, Head of Cresset Commercial Activities, said: “This is obviously excellent news for our industry. The arts is so important both culturally and economically, and the supply chain employs an awful lot of people, so we’re thrilled the government has recognised the need to support the organisations and individuals that have been impacted.

“The Cresset operates as a trading subsidiary of YMCA Trinity Group which means that while we are lucky to have a sustainable business model, we also haven’t qualified for any support so far other than the furlough scheme. So we’re keen to see if there is an opportunity for us in this new funding arrangement.

“However, while we are grateful for the government’s support, we still do not have a clear roadmap for reopening our theatre and events business, and so it’s impossible to know how any grants or loans might benefit us, as we don’t know how long they need to last!

“The arts isn’t just about venues, or theatre even, it’s about people, and the joy of a shared experience, and so we’re looking forward to the day we can welcome our audiences back to The Cresset. Meanwhile we thank all our customers for their wonderful patience and support during what has been a challenging time for everyone.”

As reported yesterday, Selladoor Worldwide, the operators of the city’s New Theatre and Peterborough MP Paul Bristow have broadly welcomed the announcement made on Sunday night.

READ: £1.57bn welcomed by New Theatre operators and MP