Actors join campaign to save university theatre

Actors Theo James and Ruth Wilson have joined a campaign to save a university theatre building, which has been closed since 2023.

The Nottingham New Theatre, on the University of Nottingham campus, was shut after water ingress made the building "unsafe for use", campaigners have said.

More than 650 alumni of a society that shares its name with the theatre, including James, Wilson and BBC Radio 4 Today programme presenter Emma Barnett, have joined a campaign calling on the university to make it "a priority for investment".

A spokesperson for the university said it was "facing unprecedented challenges" and had provided alternative space for the society to perform in.

The campaign to save Nottingham New Theatre is being led by Radio 4 broadcaster and former BBC director of radio Matthew Bannister, who performed and directed at the theatre between 1975 and 1978.

He said the theatre had "played such a vital role in inspiring and developing the careers of thousands of students".

In a testimony shared by Bannister, Golden Globe and Bafta winning actor Wilson, who holds an honorary doctorate from university, said: "Without my time at Nottingham New Theatre I wouldn't be where I am today.

"That may sound like a grand statement but it was at Nottingham New Theatre that I explored and nurtured my greatest passion. And what is university for, if not that?

"I am very happy to support in any way possible to keep this brilliant institution alive, so that future generations may share and enjoy the same experiences I had."

Meanwhile, James, who starred in Guy Ritchie's series The Gentleman, said: "The freedom to create, perform and express myself in an environment run and beloved by students was formative.

"Please keep it funded for new generations of talented young people."

Bannister said the theatre had "played such a vital role in inspiring and developing the careers of thousands of students".

He added: "We call on the university to make the New Theatre a priority for investment.

"A relatively modest sum would pay enormous dividends and send a signal that the university is prepared to make a serious commitment to arts and creativity."

Outgoing president of the New Theatre Society, Charlotte Reay, said: "It has been a challenging year, often rewarding but sometimes disheartening.

"It is a real boost that our calls to invest in the theatre have been picked up and amplified by some of our alumni.

"But our pride at what has been achieved on this and with the new space doesn't take away from the disappointment of losing the facility we originally had."

A spokesperson for the University of Nottingham said it was proud of the society's "long history and its countless alumni, many of whom have gone on to enjoy successful careers in the creative arts".

They added: "We are very sorry that due to a combination of challenging factors, and the impact of Covid, the theatre's home in an adapted building on University Park has become unsafe for use and has needed to be closed for the foreseeable future.

"The university, in line with the rest of the higher education sector, is facing unprecedented challenges and as a result we are having to make difficult decisions about where we focus our resources.

"When reviewing our university assets, we need to assess their contribution to our teaching and research activities and ensure they align with our core university priorities.

"Since the closure of the building, we have worked hard to support the New Theatre and to provide alternative provision for its activities."

The university declined to confirm the society's claim that water leaks were the main reason for closing the theatre and repairs had been estimated at £2m.

Listen to BBC Radio Nottingham on Sounds and follow BBC Nottingham on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.