News Release

26th March 2002

COMMITTEE REPORT ON ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY: FABRICANT SUPPORTS PARTIAL DEMOLITION

The Culture Media and Sport Select Committee today published its report entitled 'Arts Development' which includes its recommendations on the future of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre at Stratford. (A copy of the report may be found on the Committee's website at www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmcumeds.htm).

The report states, in summary:

(a) There is a high degree of risk involved in estimating costs for a complex project such as the RSC redevelopment. We are concerned as to whether the overall vision will be feasible within the available budget. The RSC should demonstrate the financial viability of the project. We recognise that there are time constraints and that delays could add to the project's cost. This does not mitigate the need for detailed costings. (See paragraph 31)

(b) We support the case for Lottery money being allocated to the RSC as a national and international resource for the arts and a great attraction for visitors to the UK. The RSC has set out the problems with the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and has made a case for its demolition, convincingly, however the Company has not yet completed the necessary studies nor set out detailed and specific plans for remedy. We believe that the RSC, as arguably the most important performing arts institution in the country, deserves and requires the optimum building and facilities for its indispensable activities. The devil, however, will be in the details and no final judgement is possible until these details are available. (See paragraph 37)

Michael Fabricant, a member of the Committee, says: "The Committee visited the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and saw both back stage and front of house. I was shocked by the appalling facilities available for changing scenes and for storing scenery, let alone the inadequate provision for the actors. And visitors paying good money to visit the Theatre are often disappointed by poor sight lines so they don't get to see what's on stage or the sheer distance from the seats to the stage means they cannot enjoy the performance fully.

"I believe that the Royal Shakespeare Company is a world class theatre company and it deserves a world class theatre in which to perform. The visionary plans announced by the RSC would, if implemented, not only enhance productions at the Theatre, but would also provide a major stimulus to tourism and the economy of our region".