Watermill theatre: ‘A difficult decision to stomach’
In Newbury, Berkshire, the Watermill theatre is in “deep shock” after the news of a 100% cut to its Arts Council England (ACE) funding. The venue will no longer receive £450,000 (14% of its annual turnover). Paul Hart, its artistic director, said he was especially shocked because the theatre’s National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) application feedback showed it met all the eligibility criteria. ACE has, he said, “failed to give us clear reasoning” for the decision. “It’s another huge blow for us when we’re still recovering from the pandemic.”
