Spotlight put on theatres at risk

CHARITY HIGHLIGHTS VENUES NEEDING SUPPORT

- JENNA CAMPBELL

FIVE Greater Manchester theatres have been named as being at risk of closure on an annual list, which campaigns for their revival.

Theatres Trust, the charity which campaigns to protect the UK's theatres, has published its annual Theatres at Risk Register. It highlights theatres across the UK under threat of closure, redevelopment or severe decay, but which all have the potential to be revived for their local communities with the right support.

This year's list comprises 43 buildings, which all have strong architectural merit, cultural heritage or value to the local community as a performance venue. The body points out that many are of significant historical and cultural importance and could remain valuable community spaces if given the right support.

The Greater Manchester venues featured on the list include Ashton-under-Lyne's only Grade II listed, purpose-built theatre, Tameside Theatre - a building of architectural and historical significance, illustrating the interwar fashion of adapting to cinema and featuring 1930s Art Deco features.