VOTE OF CONFIDENCE FOR THE EVERYMAN

THE CHELTENHAM PUBLIC GAVE AN OVERWHELMING VOTE OF CONFIDENCE TO THE EVERYMAN THEATRE`S BID FOR COUNCIL CASH TO HELP FUND ITS RESTORATION.

The Theatre has applied for a grant of £250,000 and a loan of £1,000,000 towards a total bill of £3,000,000 to carry out a full restoration of the historic venue.

Cheltenham Borough Council invited comments from the public on the Everyman`s application, as part of the budget consultation process. The results have been made public ahead of the Council meeting on the 12th February.

997 people responded to the overall questionnaire. Of these 964 answered the specific question about the Theatre. And of these 948 (98%) gave their approval for the use of Council funds.

A further 341 people contacted the Council about the Everyman money and of these 333 were in favour of funding the theatre (98%).

“We are all thrilled! This is a wonderful response from the public who clearly value the Theatre and see that it needs to be restored and revived. We get the occasional negative or even aggressive comment ”, said Geoffrey Rowe, Chief Executive today. ”There was an angry letter in last Saturday`s Echo for instance. It is clear that those who attack the Arts are in a very small minority and given the opportunity and a worthy cause, the vast majority see our value and enjoy the experience of visiting the Theatre.”

Background

The restoration is due to be carried out in the summer of 2011 when the theatre will close for 17 weeks. The full cost will be £3,000,000. The work will involve a full restoration of the historic auditorium, with new seats and carpet, as well as the restoration of the plasterwork and paintings.

The foyer, toilets and catering areas will also be refurbished and refurnished.