Argh! I've just had the very bad news that a local theatre that I did tons of youth work in is in danger of being closed by the NHS!! Please read and if you want to help, sign through the link below

THANK YOU!

IGNORE THE DONATION PAGE YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DONATE!
First Act Theatre was invited to be the resident theatre company in the Grade II listed Jubilee Theatre in St Nicholas' Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne in 1992.

The Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Trust now wants to convert the Jubilee Theatre into other uses (possibly office space) and has firmly indicated that notices to quit the Jubilee Theatre will soon be served on all users of the Jubilee Theatre.

First Act believe that the Jubilee Theatre should remain as a community resource and that First Act Theatre should be able continue to work in partnership to enable the Trust to meet its social and community responsibilities.

Theatres are protected in England and we believe that as a Grade II listed theatre, the Jubilee Theatre should not be used for any other purpose.

The achievements of First Act Theatre whilst working in the Jubilee Theatre:

•Bringing back into its original use an historic Grade 2 listed Victorian theatre, with stage arch tiling of huge significance, which had fallen into disrepair and disuse, raising over £300,000 from trusts, foundations and commercial sponsorship for capital equipment –all as volunteers, and without relying on local authority or arts council funding.

•Helping challenge the stigma around mental health by bringing audiences for the shows of close to 60,000 people into the hospital since 1992 (through our own productions, through leases of the theatre and of our equipment, and through supporting Juniper Productions, a theatre company for people living with psychiatric disorders).

•Providing training (drama and technical) through hundreds of workshops, and performance opportunities through almost 60 shows, to more than 3000 young people between the ages of 7 and 19 in Newcastle, developing confidence and self-esteem, team-working and skills for life - and in many cases being a springboard for the career development of young actors, singers, dancers and stage managers who have achieved national recognition through stage and television.

PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION TO SAVE THIS THEATRE, AND FORWARD TO YOUR FRIENDS. THANK YOU.
Save the Jubilee Theatre Petition : [ powered by iPetitions.com ]

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www.frayedknot.org.uk
http://www.myspace.com/frayedknotcircus

That's a real shame. My dad did some am-dram there a few years back (he lives in Gosforth) and he was always raving about the place. I'm off to sign that petition now.

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Deirdre The Usherette
Reliable, pleasant, efficient

F-ing Arses. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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buxom bimbo and political poltergeist

that's terrible of course I sign for it

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www.myspace.com/freya_fox

What in God's name is happening to theatres and performing arts venues in the North East at the minute? I thought that we were supposed to be cultural visionaries! Petition signed. The whole thing just makes me want to cry.

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Don't dream it - be it!

I've heard that a lot of arts funding has been pulled to various places to go towards the olympics. May not have anything specifically to do with this but I've had friends down south had their funding pulled for a regular community music night. I will definitly sign your petition!

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Bella xx
www.myspace.com/belladejac

Cha! Petition signed! xx