HC Deb 13 June 1988 vol 135 cc18-20
52. Mr. Key

To ask the Minister of the Arts which regional theatres he has visited since 1 February 1988.

The Minister for the Arts (Mr. Richard Luce)

I have visited six regional theatres since February, details of which I shall circulate in the Official Report.

Mr. Key

It is marvellous to hear of the enthusiasm of my right hon. Friend the touring Minister. What assistance is he giving to touring companies in this country?

Mr. Luce

My hon. Friend is fortunate in having in his constituency the Salisbury playhouse, which has a tremendous record of attendance. Two thirds of its income is earned through private sector resources. On the question of touring, it is my view that standards of excellence in the arts should be available to as many people as possible. To that end, extra money has been made available to the Arts Council to facilitate touring by theatre, music and opera compaines. I hope that my hon. Friend's theatre and other regional theatres will benefit from that.

Following are the details:

  • Regional theatres visited by the Minister for the Arts between 1 February—13 June 1988.
    • 20
  • Stables Theatre, Hastings, 19 February.
  • Redgrave Theatre, Farnham, 27 February.
  • New Towngate Theatre, Basildon, 13 April.
  • The Theatre on the Green, Richmond, 10 May.
  • Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, 17 May.
  • New Theatre, Cardiff, 17 May.

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