Cheltenham Playhouse has received an immediate £25,000 funding boost from Cheltenham Borough Council, putting the much-loved community theatre a big step closer to its fundraising target.
The grant comes after the Playhouse revealed it may have to close permanently if it didn't raise enough money in the short-term, with the new funding going towards supporting 'the immediate financial pressures' the venue currently faces.
The Grade II-listed theatre, which used to be swimming baths, is owned by Cheltenham Borough Council but receives no fixed funding – and earlier this year launched an ambitious project to raise £80,000 to celebrate its 80th year.
The venue hosted the Cheltenham Fringe Festival this May 2025 to help with its fundraising efforts, which saw local musicians, artists, poets, actors, comedians and audiences come together to support the theatre.
And while its long-term future is hopeful thanks to a financial 'masterplan' from its new board of trustees, it needs to raise at least £50,000 by the end of June 2025 to keep the doors open in the short-term.
Acting chair for the board of trustees at Cheltenham Playhouse, Neil Burge, said: 'We are so grateful to the borough council for its support. This grant has changed the outlook of our emergency fundraising and our first milestone is within reach, allowing us to think more positively.
'Along with the incredible donations we have seen from our community, this figure allows us to plan for a brighter future as we move to the second phase of our fundraising.'
Cabinet member for economic development, wellbeing, culture and public realm, councillor Izaac Tailford, added: 'We had to be quick to respond. For a long time, the Cheltenham Playhouse has delivered huge amounts of value to our local community, enabling people to have a place on the stage, behind the scenes, or as part of the audience.
'As well as hard-working staff, it also has a huge team of volunteers. The work of the Playhouse makes the world of art inclusive and accessible. It’s only right that we come together and do all we can to ensure the theatre has the funding in place to continue now and long term, for the benefit of our future generations.
'As well as this immediate funding boost, we will be working closely with the Playhouse to do what we can to support them in other ways going forward. If any Cheltenham residents feel able to back their fundraiser, or offer longer term support such as volunteering, please do get involved.'
The Playhouse has now set a new target to raise £100,000 by the end of 2025, with supporters able to donate via Just Giving.
