Strode Theatre in Street is hoping to re-open in the spring after receiving a Culture Recovery Fund grant from the government of nearly £250,000.

The theatre had to close in the summer due to a lack of funding during the coronavirus crisis, but hopes are high that the venue will be able to welcome audiences again some time in the spring after receiving £246,911 from the fund.

Strode Theatre was one of 172 theatres, galleries, performance groups, arts organisations, museums and music venues in the South West who received money to ensure they have a sustainable future and continue to bring joy to local communities and international audiences.

These recipients are those that applied for grants of less than £1 million. This funding will help the organisations create work and performances, and plan for re-opening.

Theatre manager Robin Peters told Street Nub News: "I'm thrilled that Strode Theatre has been awarded a grant from the Culture Recovery Fund.

"We know around here how important the theatre is, and the central role it plays in the community.

"I'm just so relieved that with this decision the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and Arts Council England, are recognising that too.

"We can now work to adapt our business model to the new normal, making sure that Strode Theatre comes back stronger and more resilient than ever.

"There is no firm date for reopening, but I'm hopeful that our sorely missed audiences will be able to return to the theatre in the spring.

"We're working towards making Strode Theatre a place for everyone in the community to experience outstanding culture and creativity, no matter their circumstances.

"The pandemic has created huge challenges for everyone, but particularly for the younger generation.

"We're using part of this funding to support new opportunities for young people at Strode Theatre – watch this space.

"There is a long road ahead, and many unknowns. But with this funding, and the support of our community, Strode Theatre will both survive and thrive."

Phil Gibby, South West area director for Arts Council England, said: "The Arts Council have been hard at work administering this share of the Government's £1.57 billion towards the cultural sector over the past few months during this challenging time for us all, so I am pleased that we are able to announce support for 172 much-loved cultural organisations in the South West through this round of funding.

"Arts and culture brings communities together and helps to enrich our lives - and this funding will help keep that alive, now and for generations to come – we are here for culture."