All Sunderland is a stage

The funding is for Theatre-Space North East (TSNE) which is based in a former antiques warehouse in Borough Road, Sunderland.

It has been using the building for rehearsals and storage, plans to open a 56 seat auditorium where it can stage more of its performances, and play host to touring groups and other local productions.

Founded in 2012, Theatre-Space performs across the city and region. It is known to many for its popular Shakespeare in the Park series, which included open-air stagings of Hamlet in Roker Park, and working closely with youth and community theatre groups.

The former warehouse is now called The Street and the grant of £98,258 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) will allow Theatre Space to develop the building further as it nurtures and promotes more acting and performance talents.

Ken Bremner MBE, Chief Executive of the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, chairs the Sunderland City Board, the partnership group overseeing approvals for UKSPF grants.

He said: "We all know what a big part culture plays in all our lives and how important it is. We're all consumers of culture and with the UKSPF grant we are supporting, sustaining and encouraging more cultural growth with Theatre Space."

Alongside developing The Street, Theatre Space encourages individuals and communities to access the theatre and performing arts and encourages participation through its youth and community theatre groups.

Corinne Kilvington, Artistic Director of Theatre Space, said: "We're over the moon to have been successful in such a competitive process and this funding marks a real step change for us a small organisation.

"With the development of The Street we are looking to give grassroots theatre and creativity a home in Sunniside and make room for everyone, no matter their budget or experience."

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Graeme Miller said: "Culture makes a substantial contribution to our city's economy. Culture helps makes a city distinctive and attractive, it helps give us a greater sense of place, it's something that we enjoy and this in turn promotes well-being.

"Live performance and theatre are very much part of our city's wider cultural appeal and we're pleased that we can nurture more of this grass-roots work with Theatre Space and its plans for The Street."

The grant is part of the latest round of Sunderland UKSPF grants and further support for projects and grant announcements continues.

Up to March 2025, Sunderland has a UKSPF allocation of £14m to invest in projects that are aligned to and build on the City Plan for a more dynamic, healthy, smart and vibrant Sunderland.

More information on the Sunderland UKSPF is at: https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/pest