§ 5. Ms Sally Keeble (Northampton, North)What support his Department is providing for children's and youth theatre. [83412]
§ The Minister for the Arts (Mr. Alan Howarth)Drama for and by children and young people receives funding provided by my Department through allocations of grant in aid to the Arts Council of England and the regional arts boards.
§ Ms KeebleIs my hon. Friend aware of the Royal, the Derngate and the Masque theatre groups in Northampton, which provide exceptional services in getting young people in my constituency involved in the theatre? Would he consider putting a requirement on the regional arts boards to provide, as part of their three-year deal, financing for new theatre groups, both those that involve young people and those that put on performances for children and young people?
§ Mr. HowarthI share my hon. Friend's enthusiasm for youth theatre. The funding agreement between the Arts Council and the regional arts boards will reflect our commitment to excellence, access and education. The Arts Council and the RABs will want to give the best support they can to youth theatre. I heard about "The Great Angels Bazaar", the Masque's successful production by children about the suffragettes. I am glad that Arts for Everyone is supporting New Perspectives' work with Masque, and that 628 the Derngate has been involved in a new audiences fund project to help young people in Northamptonshire to come to the theatre. I know that my right hon. Friend is looking forward to seeing some of the good things that are happening in the arts in Northamptonshire and in her area on his forthcoming visit to my hon. Friend's constituency.