London Bubble and Quicksilver gain temporary funding

Published Wednesday 19 March 2008 at 13:25 by Lalayn Baluch

Two London-based theatre companies hit by subsidy cuts as part of Arts Council England’s recent spending review have had their immediate future secured after receiving transitional funding from the arts body.

London Bubble, which has lost 100% of its grant, and Quicksilver Theatre, facing a 52% reduction, have been given confirmation that they will be eligible for cash on a temporary basis while they find alternative funders.

There had been fears that London Bubble would close following ACE’s final spending decision in February. According to a spokesperson from the organisation, its 2008/9 programme will now continue as planned. This will include youth theatres and adult drama groups, as well as the Urban Dreams project, which will see participants of all ages performing in outdoor venues across south-east London.

Jonathan Petherbridge, the company’s artistic director, said: “The proposed programme is inclusive and transformative. It offers a number of entry points, from five years old upwards, from newcomers to experienced theatre-makers. It offers a route for children and young people to move through a range of experiences, to qualify for an Arts Award, gain skills and to work alongside adults as equals.

“At the end of each year we will be holding a conference to examine and promote the benefits that theatre-making holds for individuals and communities - hopefully we can bring the work we, and others like us, do to a wider audience.”

Meanwhile, Quicksilver will present a new co-production with Cambridge company Indefinite Articles - an interactive shadow and light show titled La-Di-DaDa - in June. It will also premiere 20 short plays at the Arcola Theatre written by primary school children.

The organisation’s chief executive and artistic director Guy Holland said: “Although we are saddened by this decision and, like so many of our peers, unhappy about the process behind the way these cuts have been made, Quicksilver Theatre is continuing to move forward and committed to creating high quality work for and with children - something we have been doing successfully now for over 30 years.”