News Release

8th January 2001

LICHFIELD'S GARRICK THEATRE FOR USE BY ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY?

At this morning's meeting (Tuesday 8th January) of the Culture Media & Sport Select Committee in the House of Commons, Michael Fabricant suggested to the Royal Shakespeare Company that they use Lichfield's new David Garrick Theatre while the facilities at Stratford upon Avon are being rebuilt.

The Committee, of which Michael Fabricant is a member, is conducting an inquiry into "Arts Development" and this morning The Royal Shakespeare Company's management were present answering questions on their plans to demolish the existing building at Stratford upon Avon and construct new purpose built facilities on the site. The witnesses interviewed by Michael Fabricant were: Adrian Noble (Artistic Director), Chris Foy (Managing Director), Jonathan Pope (Redevelopment Director), and the actress and RSC Board Member Sinead Cusack.

While Jonathan Pope was explaining to the Committee in answer to a question from Mr Fabricant that the demolition of the existing building and building of a new theatre would take some years, Michael Fabricant suggested that during the transition period the RSC should make use of the new David Garrick Theatre now being built in Lichfield. The RSC said that they would seriously consider this new venue.