Update on Grant Applications

As part of the Board’s Forward Plan set out at the AGM, Goal 3 (Continuous improvement) set out to upgrade and broaden technical equipment by bidding for financial grants. We’re especially pleased to be implementing that part of the plan. Keep your fingers crossed!

• ✔ Granted! We have been successfully awarded a grant from the Theatres Trust Small Grants Programme that will allow us to upgrade the Wi-Fi across the whole building! This grant will allow us to put in the necessary equipment to make sure all areas of the building have strong connection. Work will begin soon.
• ▶ Applied for: We have also successfully submitted an application for planning permission as part of our bid for £72k from Arts Council. This project would allow us to reconfigure the stairwell leading down to the bar and add an access route out into the yard without needing to go through backstage. This will be a significant upgrade allowing more performance and enjoyment for our members!
• ▶ Applied for: We have submitted an expression of interest for £140k to another grant to completely update and upgrade all theatre equipment. This is a fantastic opportunity so hopefully we are successful – we will hear back from this later this year. Works would start April 2027 if we are successful.

Help shape the future – Become a trustee!

In more general board news, we are starting to plan for Trustees retiring by rotation at the AGM next year and there will definitely be opportunities to become a Trustee for members and potentially others who are interested.

Being a Trustee of SLT gives you a great overview of the running of the theatre and you will influence our response to both strategic opportunities and challenges. The level of commitment is, as with so many roles at SLT, as large or as small as you wish to make it, and can be fitted in with other roles at the theatre, and/or your day job.

We are on the look out for members who can bring relevant experience from other organisations, and also for those who are looking to build their expertise and their CV at SLT.

Please have a word with any of the existing Trustees or email trustee-board@southlondontheatre.co.uk to find out more.

– Chris Stooke, Chair