The Dukes Entertains Culture Secretary
The Dukes welcomed the Secretary of State for Culture on Monday to celebrate the theatre’s recent successes.
Sajid Javid was accompanied by Lancaster MP, Eric Ollerenshaw on his visit to Lancashire’s only professional producing theatre.
They were given a behind the scenes tour of the award-winning theatre as it prepared for a week-long run of the acclaimed production of Hindle Wakes and heard how 143,000 people had visited the venue in 2013/14 – a record for the company.
The politicians also met representatives from Lancaster University which has signed up for a three-year Cultural Partnership with The Dukes aiming to develop arts, education and learning in Lancaster and provide young people from areas of social economic deprivation with high quality opportunities.
Mr Javid took time to visit The Dukes Centre for Creative Learning (CCL) too which provided opportunities for more than 4,000 young people last year. There he met members of the Shattering Images theatre company for people with learning needs.
The Dukes Executive Director, Ivan Wadeson said: “We were delighted to welcome Mr Javid to The Dukes and show him the breadth of work we do here and its importance to the local community and economy.”
Ends
24/3/15
For further information please contact Helen Bartosinski on 01524 598508 or email [email protected]
Editor’s Notes
The Dukes is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. The
Dukes receives regular funding from Arts Council England, Lancashire
County Council and Lancaster City Council.
The Dukes is the winner of the Lancashire Tourism Cultural Venue/Organisation Award 2013.
Photo Credits:
Image 2:
Jilly Sumsion (The Dukes) Ivan Wadeson (The Dukes) Joe Sumsion (The Dukes) (rear), Claire Duckmanton (member of Red Banana Llama) (front), Eric Ollerenshaw MP, Sajid Javid MP, Jessie Conroy (member of Red Banana Llama) (front), Deborah Kirkup, (Age Lancashire) (rear), Dominic Hayes (member of Red Banana Llama) (front), Nicola Owen (University of Lancaster) (obscured), Gary Rycroft (Dukes Board Member).
Louise Bryning
Press & Marketing Officer
Tel: 01524 598509