The “vibrant” Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds has vowed to continue on “business as usual” after losing out on £720,000 of Arts Council funding.

East Anglian Daily Times: Karen Simpson, director of the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds. Picture: MICK MEDLEYKaren Simpson, director of the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds. Picture: MICK MEDLEY (Image: Mick Medley)

Arts Council England decided not to award the Grade I Listed regency theatre National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding and support.

The theatre has not received NPO funding since 2015 – but under the stewardship of theatre director Karen Simpson they have seen a 30% jump in audiences.

“We will still look forward to an exciting future of further development,” said Mrs Simpson. “We knew it would be difficult for Theatre Royal to be part of Arts Council’s National Portfolio with shrinking public subsidy.

“We have been working tirelessly to ensure that we represent a vibrant rural part of the UK, bringing some of the best work to our beautiful theatre ensuring high quality performances reach our audiences.

East Anglian Daily Times: Bury St Edmunds Theatre Royal. Picture: CONTRIBUTEDBury St Edmunds Theatre Royal. Picture: CONTRIBUTED

“Our work with schools and community partners enables people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in making theatre, and offers exciting work for artists in our region.

“With the support from Suffolk County Council, St Edmundsbury District Council and the huge number of individuals, businesses, charities, trusts, and audiences we will ensure that Theatre Royal is at the heart of our community. It’s a vital part of the future of the area and will continue to be so.”

The National Trust owned theatre said they will now rely on project-led grants from a range of organisations.

Roger Quince, chairman of the theatre board said: “While the decision not to award us with NPO funding is obviously a disappointment it will not divert us from our strategic direction, producing more of our own work, bringing in more diverse performances and widening our audience base.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds is hosting two summer workshops for children. Picture: THEATRE ROYALThe Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds is hosting two summer workshops for children. Picture: THEATRE ROYAL (Image: Archant)

“Under Karen Simpson’s leadership Theatre Royal has been transformed in the past few years and I have no doubt that we will continue to develop and prosper.

“The core funding that NPO provides would have been helpful in mitigating the risks inherent in any theatre enterprise, but of course we are still able to attract specific project funding, where we have had considerable recent success.”

To find out what is on at the theatre go to www.theatreroyal.org