Lyric gets £1million boost

The Mayor has dedicated a million pounds of your cash towards the redevelopment of the Lyric Hammersmith, which will create the most significant cultural development in west London for decades. With your money, the Lyric will enhance its critically acclaimed education programme and build on its reputation as a leading professional theatre, which also supports and trains young people.

Boris said:

"I am thrilled to be able to support the Lyric at this significant time in its history. It is a cultural beacon for west London and a shining example of the continuing success our theatres have in attracting audiences and putting themselves at the heart of the community.

"The success of London theatre is down to the fantastically rich variety of programming and exciting innovations, from live screenings of productions at cinemas to performances staged outdoors or in unusual locations. At a critical time for funding, our theatres are showing real imagination in the way they attract audiences and funding and I will do all I can to support this world-beating – and vital – component of our cultural landscape."

Lyric Hammersmith Executive Director Jessica Hepburn said:

"It is an honour to welcome the Mayor of London to the Lyric Hammersmith  as a major supporter of our capital development project. It is especially heartening to see the city continuing in its commitment to improving the lives of young Londoners; opening up new pathways to education and culture all across the city."

Moira Sinclair, Executive Director London, Arts Council England, said:

"This new development will enable the Lyric to be a national leader in its work both on and off stage. It’ll give so many more opportunities for young people to learn and get involved in an environment which will support, unleash and nurture creative potential. I’m sure local people will be seeing the many benefits of this investment and the development shows just how important young people are to the theatre, and the theatre to young people."

One of the  best things about our part of the city is being particularly well served by theatres, who make an effort to bring people in. The Bush Theatre being the obvious but not the only example. In a time of cuts and generally grim economic news, I'd say this sort of funding serves many more purposes than the theatres they actually go to; they're vital parts of keeping a vibrant local area, well, vibrant.

Now then, how about investing in local sports facilities which serve a similar purpose, instead of privatising them and pricing out local people?