Home >
Theatre News > Billy Elliot writer joins calls to protect Arts Council England funding
Billy Elliot writer joins calls to protect Arts Council England funding
Billy Elliot writer joins calls to protect Arts Council England funding
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Lee Hall, the writer behind stage and screen smash hit Billy Elliot, has added his voice to calls for the government not to cut funding for Arts Council England (ACE).
As part of its drive to cut spending in the UK, the coalition has said its Department for Culture, Media and Sport may have to factor in cuts of 25 to 30 per cent for the ACE, potentially cutting funding from £12 million to £7 million.
Mr Hall has insisted this would be a "cultural disaster".
"Theatre in Britain is an economic powerhouse. The VAT on the West End alone brings in more than the subsidy. It's crazy and short-sighted to cut off the blood supply," he added.
The writer was part of the team that helped to scoop a record-breaking ten Tony Awards for Billy Elliot in 2009.
It is currently booking until April 9th 2011 at the Victoria Palace Theatre.
