THEATRE FUNDING

That this House recognises the valuable role that regional and local theatre plays in communities across the United Kingdom; believes that theatre is a key creative industry which justifies Government investment; notes that 25 million tickets to theatre, ballet and opera are sold every year in the United Kingdom; further notes that the Arts Council has estimated that the £120 million it invests in theatre annually generates £2.6 billion in resulting economic activity; recognises the work of theatres in fostering social inclusion through valuable education projects in local communities; notes the significant increase in the Government's theatre funding over the past decade; expresses concern at suggestions that the Government may reduce public funding for British theatres and orchestras below the rate of inflation following the coming Comprehensive Spending Review; seeks assurances that the 2012 Olympics will not adversely affect funding for the arts in the United Kingdom; and calls upon the Government to maintain increased theatre funding to ensure that the dramatic arts continue to perform at a world-class standard of which the country can be proud.