Decision on potential closure of 'doomed' Prince of Wales theatre to take place today

Cannock Chase Borough Council are set to decide on proposed plans to close the loved Prince of Wales Theatre and the Museum of Cannock Chase. 

The decision to close both the museum and the theatre was proposed as the council looks to close a £1.3 million budget shortfall for the years 2025/26.

Now, following weeks of waiting, a meeting, set to take place at 6pm today, will reveal the final results of the consultation revealed the future of both locations.

Petition

Following the announcement on October 24, 2024, two petitions to save each location were quickly launched, with both petitions quickly gaining thousands of signatures. 

The petition to save the Prince of Wales Theatre gained over 20,000 signatures, including support from influential figures like the Member of Parliament for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge, Sir Gavin Williamson, and theatre director Andy Reiss. 

Supporting the campaign, Sir Williamson said: "I am deeply concerned regarding the potential closure of such an important culture venue for not just Cannock, but the wider West Midlands. 

"Theatres provide not just entertainment but are also educationally important as well as having significant benefits for the local economy.

"The frustration and anger that has been conveyed by residents, demonstrates how loved this venue is. 

"At a time when the public should be enjoying the pantomime season, they can only do so against the backdrop of closure."

'It will be the death of culture'

In the lead-up to the final date, thousands of people spoke out about the impact of the potential closure, with some saying that it would be 'the death of culture' in Cannock. 

Josh and Jade Richardson, both of Cannock, said: "I think it would be a big shame. There isn't a lot of this type of thing around here, and to close that, it would be the only theatre around here gone.

"You think of family entertainment around here, you haven't got much. Where kids can get into it and they can interact, that's where this shines. It's building that family aspect."

'We will listen to suggestions and ideas to save our museum and theatre'

Following the popularity of the petition, the leader of Cannock Chase District Council, Councillor Tony Johnson, encouraged people to share their views, saying that the council would 'listen to any suggestions and ideas'.

He said: "We encouraged people to share their views and said we would listen to any suggestions and ideas that would allow us to preserve our museum and theatre offer. 

"It is from that feedback that we have had people and groups come forward with initiatives and we are hopeful they will provide us with a sound business case for how both services to the public can continue."