Doomed theatre set to reopen

The Swan Theatre will be used by amateur groups

Worcester's only theatre has been saved from closure after the city council decided it should still provide a stage for amateur groups.

The board of directors at the Swan Theatre decided to close the venue at the end of the month after Worcester City Council withdrew its support grant of £83,000.

The council has decided to keep the theatre open for amateur and touring groups but will not commission plays.

Council leader Stephen Inman said it was a cheaper way to run the venue.

Fighting fund

"We could no longer provide the theatre with the extra money it needed out of our reserves," he said.

"It's cheaper to run the theatre if we don't actually produce any plays."

Councillor Inman said the council planned to bring in new management.

"We have a preferred manager who would be confident to put on youth and community workshops, work with amateur groups and bring in touring theatres," he said.

More than 13,000 people signed a petition against the theatre's closure, and playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn donated money to the theatre's fighting fund.