Rescue package will see 165-year-old theatre bought by local council

Portsmouth City Council is proposing to buy the city's  Grade II listed New Theatre Royal. The theatre – which underwent a £4.5m renovation in 2015 – has been badly hit by the pandemic, but a review found that it could have a bright future. The 165-year-old venue would be leased back to the trustees on a "more sound financial footing". They would operate it under a similar model to that used for the Kings Theatre and Guildhall in the city.

The council's cabinet member for culture, leisure and economic development has made the case to protect the theatre, urging its protection for future generations because of its "huge potential to reach people who don't currently think about going to the theatre or engaging with culture."