Portsmouth Theatres has been selected as a recipient of £450,000 funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
This significant award will directly support improvements and initiatives at Theatre Royal, ensuring it remains a vibrant, accessible, and inclusive space for audiences and artists alike.
Theatre Royal Portsmouth is undertaking major roof works to stop water ingress that now threatens the building’s long-term viability. Also with this investment, Portsmouth Theatres will enhance its creative programme, expand community outreach, ensuring that Theatre Royal continues to play a pivotal role in the city’s cultural landscape.
A recent condition survey identified serious issues, including rotten roof timbers, failing slates and gutters, damaged parapets and gulleys, and resulting damp, mould and ceiling deterioration. These problems risk structural instability and further damage to the historic fabric. The project will replace the roof and make the building fully watertight, protecting this important cultural venue. While scaffolding is in place, solar panels will also be installed to strengthen both financial resilience and environmental sustainability.
Richard Pearce, CEO of Portsmouth Theatres, said:
“This funding represents a hugely important investment in the future of Theatre Royal and the communities we serve. It allows us to build on our mission to create inspiring cultural experiences, nurture local talent, and ensure that theatre remains accessible to everyone. We are incredibly grateful for this support and excited about the opportunities it will unlock for Portsmouth.”