Save the Prince of Wales Theatre
Donation protected
After 40 years of bringing arts, entertainment, and community connection to Cannock, the Prince of Wales Theatre faces permanent closure, unless we act now!
The Prince of Wales Theatre serves over 70,000 visitors annually, but is now threatened by local authority budget cuts. As a newly formed Charitable Incorporated Organisation (pending registration with the Charities Commission), we have a solid plan to save this vital community asset - but we need your help.
What Your Donation Will Fund
Your contribution will directly support:
- Essential building maintenance and improvements to ensure the theatre remains safe and accessible.
- Development of a sustainable community ownership model following examples of successful theatre trusts across the UK.
- Professional expertise to guide the transition from council ownership to community management.
- Initial operating costs (staffing, utilities, licensing) during our crucial first months of independent operation.
- Programme development shaped by community input to ensure future sustainability.
Why This Matters
The Prince of Wales Theatre is more than just a building - it's the cultural heart of Cannock Chase where:
- Young people discover their passion for performing arts and build confidence.
- Community groups find a welcoming, professionally-equipped performance space.
- Local talent develops skills that lead to careers in the creative industries.
- Professional touring companies bring diverse, high-quality performances that would otherwise require travelling further afield.
- Families create lasting memories and experiences that enrich lives.
Beyond entertainment, the theatre:
- Generates local employment and supports dozens of jobs directly and indirectly.
- Brings visitors to Cannock town centre, boosting restaurants and shops.
- Provides educational programmes that complement school curricula.
- Creates volunteering opportunities that develop valuable skills.
- Contributes to community wellbeing and mental health through cultural engagement.
Our Goal
We're raising £150,000 to support the theatre's transition to community ownership and ensure its survival for future generations. Every pound counts:
- £10 helps preserve our theatre's technical equipment and stage facilities.
- £25 supports essential maintenance work.
- £50 contributes to professional expertise and staffing costs.
- £100 helps develop a new programme of shows.
- £250 sponsors accessibility improvements to ensure the theatre remains open to all.
- £500 supports major transition and redevelopment costs.
If Our Appeal Is Unsuccessful
While we are committed to saving the Prince of Wales Theatre, we believe in transparency. In the event our appeal to take over ownership is unsuccessful, all funds raised will still benefit the arts in Cannock Chase. We will work in partnership with Cannock Chase Arts Council to establish a dedicated fund supporting local performing arts groups, community initiatives, and cultural events.
Your contribution will continue to nurture the creative spirit of our community, ensuring that the artistic legacy of the Prince of Wales Theatre lives on through the people it has inspired.
Act Now - #SaveOurTheatre
Over 20,000 people have signed the petition - now we need to turn this support into action.
Donate today and become part of this vital mission to preserve Cannock's cultural heritage. Share this campaign with friends, family, and on social media to help us reach our goal.
Together, we can ensure the Prince of Wales Theatre continues to serve our community for generations to come.
Visit our website to learn more about our plans and alternative ways to support the campaign.
Cannock Chase Theatre Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) pending registration with the Charities Commission. All donations will directly support either the theatre's preservation and development as a community-owned cultural venue, or - if the transfer of ownership cannot be achieved - the continuation of performing arts initiatives within the Cannock Chase community.
Make Your Impact Today
Whether you can give £5 or £500, every donation brings us closer to saving our theatre. Don't wait - the Prince of Wales Theatre needs you now.
Organizer
Cannock Chase Theatre Trust
Organizer
England