Theatre rejects Dowden claim it had Covid aid

THE GOVERNMENT has apologised after the Culture Secretary incorrectly claimed that a Cornish theatre, which hosted the G7 leaders’ spouses, had received Covid support funding.

The Minack Theatre was visited by leaders’ spouses including Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s wife, Carrie, and US President Joe Biden’s wife, Jill, during the G7 summit.

In a tweet, Mr Dowden reportedly said the outdoor venue had benefited from the Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund. The theatre then rebuked the minister in a reply on Twitter.

“Sorry @Oliverdowden, but this is not true,” the tweet said. “We did not benefit from any CRF money as we were not eligible to apply. Having a good level of cash reserves meant we had to fend for ourselves and utilise our own reserves.”

A Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport spokesman said that an apology had been issued to the theatre.

He said: “More than 650 theatres have benefited from over £250million of support through our Cultural Recovery Fund to date. A tweet was briefly issued in error that the Minack was one of them and we have now spoken directly to the theatre who have accepted our apology.

“The Minack looked stunning yesterday as part of the G7 summit and we congratulate all at the theatre involved.

“The fund has made awards to more than 700 culture and heritage organisations across the South West worth up to £135 million.”

After visiting the theatre on Saturday, Ms Biden tweeted: “Beautiful and powerful program for G7 spouses today at the @Minacktheatre.

“Thank you to Carrie Johnson and all those who helped put it together – especially all the local children who performed for us!”

The Minack Theatre, which is in Porthcurno near Land’s End, is positioned on top of a cliff looking out to sea.