Save theatres, they’re part of nation’s soul says Helen
DAME Helen Mirren has pleaded with the Government to help save theatres – saying the identity of our nation is at stake.
The Oscar winner spoke out as theatres warned they are just weeks away from collapse.
The 74-year-old told BBC Radio 4: “What is at stake... is the loss of a cultural history and an identity of our nation that is embedded in what it means to be British.
“One of the great contributions that our country has made to the world is through theatre, through writing and performing. It’s one of the reasons that many tourists come to Britain.
“It is a multibillion-dollar industry, but to me it’s so much more than that.”
The Govern_ ment has published a plan for the industry, but theatres want investment and clear dates so that they can plan ahead.
The Daily Express is running a Raise the Curtain crusade to get the public to support their local theatres.
Theatre owner and producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh recently pulled Les Miserables, Mary Poppins, Hamilton and The Phantom Of The Opera from the West End for the rest of the year, blaming “continued uncertainty” over when the Government will completely withdraw social distancing measures.
The Theatre Royal in Newcastle plans to make half of its staff redundant due to the impact of the lockdown, while Theatre Royal Plymouth started redundancy consultations following a plunge in revenues.
Nottingham Playhouse’s artistic director, Adam Penford, said that for “any theatre there’s a risk of... complete collapse and closure and then potentially never reopening”.
Dame Helen told the BBC’s Today programme that theatre helps create communities.
She said: “If we need community at any time, we need it right now.
“That sense of community to fight against isolation, the feeling that you’re on your own.” The actress added: “I often watch a movie and I realise halfway through that I’ve seen it once before.
“I’ve never forgotten a single theatre thing I’ve ever been to as an audience (member).
“I’ve never forgotten the experience, including the ones that I’ve absolutely hated, couldn’t stand.
“But it enters into your memory, into your being in a very different way.
“I think art forms in general in Britain have to have guidance... and huge investment really quickly because they are collapsing.”