6. How is the Welsh Government supporting the theatre industry in Wales? OAQ52802

Through the Arts Council of Wales, this Government supports a wide range of theatre activity across Wales in both languages, including Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru yn Gymraeg, National Theatre Wales, and, of course, those very important production centres, building-based at the Torch in Milford Haven, Sherman here in Cardiff and at Theatr Clwyd.  

Diolch. Thank you very much indeed. Of course, Theatr Clwyd is the biggest production centre or producing theatre in Wales, a major contributor to the north-east Wales economy, and a major employer, and seeing increasing turnover over recent years. You mentioned the arts council. They have funded a feasibility study for the capital redevelopment project proposed, and have now put in their biggest ever funding of £1 million for the design and development phase, with the council match funding that. But, in total, they're going to need £15 million to £22 million over three years to complete the project, and they tell me that if they can't deliver the capital programme now, the building will have to be closed. What involvement are you and your department having to support them, to give them the confidence to know that they can access that level of funding, to ensure that the biggest producing theatre in Wales will continue to prosper and grow?

I am pleased to give the assurance that this building will be maintained as a live theatre, and will be refurbished over a period of time. In fact, it makes its place, and gains its place already, as an example of late modernism in John B. Hilling's latest edition on the architecture of Wales, which has just been published.

I have visited Theatr Clwyd myself and have had long discussions with them. We are unable to indicate clearly how we will progress this refurbishment, but I do recognise what the Member says about the importance of the theatre, not only as a cultural asset in north-east Wales, but as an economic driver across the Marches, since it obtains a lot of support, as I know well through my visits there, from the north-west of England as well. It is a high-priority project, both for the Welsh arts council and for Welsh Government, and we will continue to ensure, as the Member says, that this building will remain to be a major production centre for live drama, set as it is in the beautiful countryside of Clwyd, and, in particular, in the area around Mold and the Alyn river.

Thank you. Finally, question 7, Julie Morgan.