MP joins campaign to save under-threat theatre in Cannock

Sir Gavin Williamson, the Member of Parliament for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge, has become the latest high-profile name to join a campaign to save the Prince of Wales Theatre that is potentially earmarked for closure.

The proposal to close the theatre was announced by Cannock Chase District Council last month as "part of an effort to close a £1.5 million budget gap" for the years 2025/26.

Following the announcement, a four-week consultation period was launched for both the Prince of Wales Theatre and the Museum of Cannock Chase, where it will be decided if both sites shall close. 

If approved, the closure of the theatre would result in the loss of around 30 jobs, as well as creating wider issues for culture in the Cannock area. 

Talking about joining the campaign, Sir Gavin 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."

While not in his direct constituency, Sir Gavin said that the closure would also affect many residents from areas including Great Wyrley, Cheslyn Hay, Huntington and elsewhere that theatre fans visit.

Following the announcement of the potential closure, an online petition was started calling for the reversal of the proposal.

Sir Gavin continued: “I have urged both the leader of Cannock District Chase Council as well as the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport to look at every viable option and ensure this theatre can be enjoyed by generations to come.”

The online petition has so far been signed by over 17,000 people in just over one week.

For more information on the campaign, and to sign the online petition, visit the Change.org website.