Resources – Prince of Wales Theatre

Welcome to our resources hub, where you’ll find everything you need to support our campaign to save the Prince of Wales Theatre. Whether you’re looking to contact your councillor, spread the word on social media, or understand more about our proposals, you’ll find the tools you need here.

Campaign Materials

Contact Your Councillor

One of the most effective ways to support our campaign is by contacting your local district councillor. When councillors receive personal communications from residents, it demonstrates genuine community concern that goes beyond petition numbers.

Our discussions with the Council are progressing, but your letter could make the crucial difference in their final decision.

How to use this resource:

Find your councillor – Enter your postcode on the Cannock Chase Council website to identify your local representative.
Download our template letter – Use one of the formats below:
- Download Template Letter (OpenDocument Format) »
- Download Template Letter (Word Format) »
Personalise your letter – Add your details and a brief paragraph about your personal connection to the theatre.
Send your message – Either by post to your councillor at Cannock Chase District Council, Civic Centre, Beecroft Road, Cannock, WS11 1BG or via email (usually FirstNameLastName@cannockchasedc.gov.uk).

For maximum impact, be polite, concise, and mention you are a constituent in their ward. Even if you’ve signed our petition, this additional step significantly strengthens our case that the Prince of Wales Theatre is a valued community asset worth preserving.

Social Media Kit

Help spread the word about our campaign on social media with these ready-to-use materials:

Profile Frames – Show your support by adding our campaign frame to your social media profile picture: Download Your Profile Frame »
Suggested Posts – Copy and paste these messages or use them as inspiration: View Suggested Posts

Remember to use our campaign hashtag #SaveOurTheatre in all your posts!

Plus, don’t forget to like and follow our Facebook page to be kept up to date with all the latest news from our campaign.

Events & Fundraising

Upcoming Events

Support our campaign by attending these upcoming events:

Fundraising Kick-Off Meeting – Register to Attend »
- 22nd May 2025, 7pm at Cannock Hockey Club, Chase Park WS11 1RR

Fundraising Materials

If you’re organising your own fundraising activities to support the campaign, these resources will help:

Display Poster – Print and display anywhere you can to encourage people to register for our newsletter and/or make a donation: Download Poster
Sponsorship Form – For sponsored activities Download Form
Event Poster Template – Customisable poster for your fundraising events Download Template
Fundraising Ideas – Inspiration for your own fundraising activities View Fundraising Ideas

Have Your Say

Community Consultation – Spring/Summer 2025

We’re working to save the theatre through a Community Asset Transfer, giving local people a say in how it’s run. But we need to prove there’s real support for keeping it open.

This is where you come in.

Please take 5 minutes to complete our short survey. Whether you’re a regular visitor or not, your views will help us build a theatre that reflects the needs, values, and voices of our community.

Complete The Survey »

Share Your Idea

As we prepare for an exciting new chapter, we invite you to share your ideas and visions for its reopening. Whether it’s a programme suggestion, community project, or a creative use for our spaces, your input will help shape a theatre that truly reflects Cannock’s vibrant identity and culture.

Submit your ideas »

Information & Background

Our Proposal

For those who want to understand the details of our proposal to the Council, we’ve prepared these documents:

Executive Summary – A brief overview of our plans for the theatre Download Summary (PDF)
Full Proposal – Our comprehensive proposal including business plan, operational model, and community benefits Download Full Proposal (PDF)
FAQs – Answers to common questions about our proposal View FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

About The Theatre Closure

Why is the Council considering closing the theatre?

The Council has cited budget pressures and the need to make savings as their primary reason for proposing the closure of the Prince of Wales Theatre. In November 2024, Cannock Chase District Council Cabinet voted in favour of entering a consultation period with the view to permanently close the theatre. The council was facing a £1.3m shortfall in its budget for 2025/26 and estimates that the closure of the theatre and the local museum would provide a saving of approx. £350k.

When will the theatre close?

The theatre closed at the end of April 2025. We are working hard to ensure it re-opens as soon as we can.

Is the closure definite / permanent?

No, permanent closure is not yet finalised. The Council is considering proposals from various parties, including our plan to take over operations of the theatre.

What would happen to the theatre building if it closes?

The Council has not made any definitive statements about the future of the building if the theatre closes permanently. This uncertainty is one of our major concerns, as the building was purpose-built as a theatre and has significant cultural value to our community.

Would any other cultural venues remain in Cannock if the theatre closes?

No. If both the Prince of Wales Theatre and the Museum of Cannock Chase close as proposed, Cannock would be left without any dedicated arts and culture venues. This would make us one of the few districts in the UK without any cultural facilities.

Has the public been consulted about the closure?

Yes. The Council ran a formal 4-week public consultation period from 29th November 2024 to 2nd January 2025. The results were reported to Cabinet on 30th January 2025. Our understanding is that there was overwhelming public support for keeping the theatre open.

How many people used the theatre?

The theatre welcomed over 70,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-used public facilities in the district.

About Our Proposal

What is Cannock Chase Theatre Trust proposing?

We’re proposing to operate the Prince of Wales Theatre as an independent Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), following successful models used at other UK theatres. This would remove the financial burden from the Council while preserving this vital cultural asset for the community.

How would the theatre be funded under your proposal?

Our business model includes diverse revenue streams including ticket sales, corporate sponsorship, grants, community fundraising, enhanced food and beverage offerings, and facility hire.

Would you change what the theatre offers?

We would maintain the theatre’s core programme of professional and community performances while enhancing the offering with more educational opportunities, community engagement activities, and a broader range of events to increase usage and revenue.

Would ticket prices increase?

While we would need to review pricing structures to ensure sustainability, we are committed to maintaining accessible ticket prices with concessions for those who might otherwise be unable to attend.

Who would run the theatre under your proposal?

The theatre would be governed by a board of trustees with relevant professional expertise, supported by a professional management team. Our proposed structure includes specific roles for community representatives to ensure the theatre continues to serve local needs.

Has this model worked elsewhere?

Yes. There are numerous examples across the UK of theatres successfully transitioning from local authority operation to independent trust status. The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury and Sheffield Theatres are just two examples of venues that have thrived under this model, maintaining artistic excellence while reducing or eliminating reliance on council funding.

Would you need financial support from the Council?

Our proposal requests some support with essential building maintenance before hand over, to ensure the theatre is transferred as a viable going concern. However, our day-to-day revenue model and long-term business plan is designed to operate without an ongoing Council subsidy.

About the Theatre Building

What condition is the theatre building in?

A condition survey commissioned by the Council in 2024 identified approximately £2.2 million in maintenance requirements over ten years. The most pressing issues include the roof, HVAC systems, and certain electrical systems. Our proposal includes a request to leverage remaining Levelling Up Fund (LUF) monies to rectify these key issues, along with a phased approach to addressing other issues.

Is the theatre listed or protected in any way?

No, the Prince of Wales Theatre is not listed. However, it is a purpose-built theatre with architectural significance as an example of 1980s civic architecture, and it has substantial cultural heritage value to the community.

Are there any plans for improving or modernising the building?

Yes. Our vision includes improvements to make the building more environmentally sustainable, enhance accessibility, and upgrade technical facilities. We would also look to develop the front-of-house areas to create more welcoming and revenue-generating spaces.

What would happen during the car park demolition?

The adjacent multi-storey car park is scheduled for demolition, which will necessitate a temporary closure of the theatre regardless of who operates it. We propose using this closure period to undertake essential maintenance and improvements, minimising disruption to the theatre’s programming in the long-term.

How You Can Help

What’s the most effective way to support the campaign?

Currently, the most effective actions are contacting your local councillor (using our template letter), volunteering for our fundraising team, making a donation via our GoFundMe page and spreading the word on social media.

Can I donate to the campaign?

Yes, we have launched our fundraising campaign via GoFundMe.

I have professional skills that might help – how can I offer them?

We’d love to hear from you! Please email contact@cctt.org.uk outlining your skills and how you think you could contribute.

Can local businesses support the campaign?

Absolutely. We’re looking for local businesses to support us through sponsorship, in-kind donations, and advocacy. If your business would like to get involved, please contact contact@cctt.org.uk.

I’m part of a group that performs at the theatre – how can we help?

Performance groups are vital stakeholders in this campaign. Please contact contact@cctt.org.uk to discuss how we can work together to save the theatre.

How can I stay updated about the campaign?

Is there a public campaign meeting I can attend?

Yes, we’ll be holding several public meetings over the coming months. Keep an eye on our homepage where the latest meetings and events will be listed as they are scheduled.

About Cannock Chase Theatre Trust

Who is Cannock Chase Theatre Trust?

We are a newly formed Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) specifically established to save and operate the Prince of Wales Theatre. Our volunteer trustees include local residents with professional expertise in theatre management, business, finance, and community development.

Is the Trust a registered charity?

Yes, we have submitted our application with the Charity Commission as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). Our Charity Number is pending and will be shown on the website as soon as it is available.

How can I get involved with the Trust?

We welcome community involvement at all levels. You can contact us to join our volunteer team, attend our events, or express interest in supporting specific aspects of our work.

What’s your long-term vision for the theatre?

Our vision is for the Prince of Wales Theatre to be a thriving, financially sustainable cultural hub that serves the diverse needs of our community. We aim to balance professional programming with community engagement and education. We want the theatre to be central to Cannock’s identity and a catalyst for town centre regeneration.

General Information

How old is the Prince of Wales Theatre?

The Prince of Wales Theatre opened in 1984 as a replacement for the town’s former theatre, The Forum (originally the Hippodrome Theatre, built 1912). It has been serving the community for over 40 years.

What’s the capacity of the theatre?

The theatre has a seated capacity of 427.

What types of performances are held at the theatre?

The theatre hosts a diverse programme including professional touring productions, amateur dramatics, music concerts, comedy shows, dance performances, pantomime, and community events. It also serves as a venue for local schools and performing arts groups.

Does the theatre receive Arts Council funding?

The theatre does not currently receive regular Arts Council England funding, although it has benefited from occasional project grants in the past. As part of our plans, we would seek to develop stronger relationships with national funding bodies.

Would the theatre be renamed under new management?

We have no plans to rename the theatre. The Prince of Wales name has strong recognition and heritage value in the community.

Campaign Updates

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Need something that’s not listed here? Contact us at contact@cctt.org.uk and we’ll do our best to help.