The future looks bright and colourful for the Terry O’Toole Theatre in North Hykeham after work was completed following £107,000 from Arts Council England’s Creative Foundations Fund.
Situated within the ONE NK leisure facility, it operates a full programme of touring and locally-produced shows with free on-site parking, level access, and more.
The funding follows a successful bid by North Kesteven District Council, with £11,976 match funding shared equally by NKDC and venue operator GLL.
It allowed the theatre’s technical team and Technical Stage Services to replace the lighting this summer and make the Moor Lane venue more flexible, accessible and energy efficient.
The new system offers greater creative flexibility, improved safety, lower carbon emissions and an expected 70% reduction in annual lighting energy costs.
The work completes a three-year investment programme and strengthens this professional arts venue in North Kesteven for audiences, performers and visiting companies. It follows the delivery of new seating, a replacement stage floor, a hearing induction loop and hearing-assistance packs in 2022, funded by the Tarmac Community Landfill Trust, NKDC and GLL.
It was the first project completed in this phase of the Arts Council’s Creative Foundations Fund distributing almost £130 million to 130 cultural venues, museums and libraries.
Councillor Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council, said: “It is brilliant that the theatre has benefitted from this funding which will help reduce energy consumption and allow their productions to be more creative in their lighting design, as we both strive to provide our communities with more opportunities to enjoy and celebrate culture of every kind.
“This project also demonstrates the Council’s commitment to practically reducing carbon emissions as outlined in our Climate Response Strategy.”
Theatre Manager, Alison Duncombe said: “Our Technicians are very excited to work with the new lighting rig; it will not only enhance our artistic offer to visiting artistes, but it is also an eco-friendly initiative, greatly reducing the theatre's carbon footprint, with around a 70% reduction in energy costs, too.”
