National Theatre works with Wolverhampton Grand

Published: 15 July 2017
Reporter: Steve Orme

Reaching new audiences: Wolverhampton Grand

The National Theatre is to team up with Wolverhampton Grand and five other theatres to present its work in “areas of low arts engagement”.

The NT has been awarded a £1.1 million grant to fund a three-year programme to increase the number of productions and audiences. There will also be an education programme including touring into schools.

Tim Colegate, the Grand’s producer and programme manager, said, “the opportunity for Wolverhampton Grand Theatre to form an affiliation with the National Theatre will enable us to make a further commitment to our audiences and strongly reinforce our continued efforts to offer consistent high-quality drama.

“This in turn will grant us the ability to consider the future in terms of audience growth and sustainability in a way which we are usually unable to with the conventional ‘show-by-show’ method of programming.”

Lisa Burger, the National Theatre’s executive director, said, “reaching new audiences and supporting theatre-making across the country is one of the most important things we do.

“This three-year project will allow us to work with a range of partners for a sustained period, including smaller or new venues. We’re hoping to build a lasting local audience in partnership with these venues and organisations, through our combined expertise and resources, and their deep community links.”

The NT production of Patrick Marber’s new version of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler tours to Wolverhampton Grand from 23 until 27 January 2018.

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