Lichfield Garrick is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced today as part of the very first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England. Further rounds of funding in the cultural and heritage sector are due to be announced over the coming weeks.  

The Lichfield Garrick theatre plays host to the best and widest range of musical theatre, drama, comedy, music and family entertainment in Lichfield. The government grant will support the theatre re-opening this winter season in a safe, socially distanced space, whilst reducing the loss of income over the winter period.   

The theatre looks forward to welcoming back audiences new and old and looks forward to being able to connect with those who have been without cultural experiences, joy and laughter this year. Raising the curtain on our main house stage and the smiles on the faces of our community.  

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said:  

“This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery.   

“These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.”  

Chair, Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, said:  

“Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages. This life-changing funding will save thousands of cultural spaces loved by local communities and international audiences. Further funding is still to be announced and we are working hard to support our sector during these challenging times.”  

Lichfield Garrick’s Chief Executive, said:  

This is the best news we could have had at this time.  As a small, independent arts charity which has been closed for live shows since March, this award will help to sustain us whilst social distancing measures are necessary, protecting our staff, audience and performers.    

Christmas came early to the Lichfield Garrick today with this wonderful news enabling us to look forward to the real Christmas with Jack and the Beanstalk, Freddy the Teddy’s Christmas Feast and our Santa’s Grotto all benefitting from the financial sustainability which this grant brings.  My heartfelt thanks to the Arts Council England for this award and to the Chancellor for supporting the arts ecology which brings so much joy and economic benefit to our country.