New Northcott Theatre set to close
December 11th, 2007
Posted by Cptn
Exeter’s art scene is set to face another blow with the closure threat that now hangs over the Northcott Theatre.
In a move dripping with irony the theatre, which re-opened today after a £2.1 million redevelopment, is set to lose its Arts Council grant from April 2009, making it impossible to operate.
The work was paid for by grants from Exeter City Council (£750,000), Devon County Council (£450,000) and the University of Exeter (£300,000) plus private donations. The three organisations only pledged their money after receiving assurances from the Arts Council that it was ‘committed’ to the theatre’s future. The Arts Council itself contributed £100,000 towards the cost of the conversion and a further £540,000 in revenue grant to support the theatre while it was closed.
Steve Gratton, chair of the Northcott Theatre Board, told the PRSD: “I simply cannot understand why the Arts Council would say it is committed to the theatre, allow public money to be spent on its redevelopment and then pull the plug just as the theatre re-opens. This is a bitter pill for the Theatre’s 58 staff to swallow, coming as they re-open the theatre and just two weeks before Christmas. We had no inkling at all that this was going to happen. Everyone who supports and works for Exeter Northcott has the right to feel very angry indeed.”
Expressions of support can be sent via email to: or in writing to Save Exeter Northcott Campaign, Northcott Theatre, Stocker Road, Exeter, EX4 4QB.
Entry Filed under: Arts
7 Comments Add your own
1. Jeremy Martin | December 15th, 2007 at 12:42 am
We are devastated that the Arts Council has seen fit to withdraw its grant after all the public investment in theatre.Please review this decision.
2. Jacqueline Martin | December 15th, 2007 at 12:47 am
As an avid theatregoer in Exeter I deplore this decision of the Arts Council. I sincerely hope that they will be prevailed upon to review their astonishing move following the refurbishment of the theatre with public monies!
3. Jacqueline Martin | December 15th, 2007 at 12:47 am
As an avid theatregoer in Exeter I deplore this decision of the Arts Council. I sincerely hope that they will be prevailed upon to review their astonishing move following the refurbishment of the theatre with public monies!
4. tracey jeary | December 16th, 2007 at 9:59 am
i am devestated at the news of the idea of the northcott theatre closing, as a child i spent many happy times walking the boards of the theatre and meeting many great actors, i enjoy going to the hteatre when i camoe back to my home town , how can the arts council think of closing something that is part of exeter’s hearatige.
5. Sarah Lucas | December 16th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
As someone who has grown up in Exeter and attended the Northcott Theatre for many years since I was a child I am devastated to hear the news about the withdrawl of this grant.
Im now Mum to 2 boys of 6 and 10 and am very upset to think that we might lose one of the most valuable attractions in Exeter
6. Patrick Collier | December 19th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
Astounded and annoyed.Can individuals only become one of the decision makers at the Arts Council if they are unable to see the merit and excellence of the Northcott? What planet do these people live on?
7. An ex Exeter resident | December 21st, 2007 at 12:24 am
O come on guys, we all know the Northcott is s##t! The programing over the last few years has been less appetizing than soggy cardboard. When was the last time you honestly saw something that really blew your mind? If so, you obvisiously don’t get out much to see great directors at work. This is just the kind of kick up the backside the artistic director needs. It’s only the odd touring company that gives you something to think about - like Out of Joint theatre company - which brings decent stuff to people to far out of London so I guess in that respect it’s a shame the theatre closes. I feel gutted for the staff as the ones I knew were lovely and it’s pretty harsh the way the Arts Council has done this but it sounds like it didn’t come without warning. Discover some dynamism Northcott management (your staff I’m sure will agreee you need it) and your theatre will be saved.
Good luck!
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