At this morning’s meeting (Tuesday 8th January) of the Culture Media & Sport
Select Committee in the House of Commons, Michael Fabricant suggested to
the Royal Shakespeare Company that they use Lichfield’s new David Garrick
Theatre while the facilities at Stratford upon Avon are being rebuilt.

The Committee, of which Michael Fabricant is a member, is conducting an
inquiry into "Arts Development" and this morning The Royal Shakespeare
Company’s management were present answering questions on their plans to
demolish the existing building at Stratford upon Avon and construct new
purpose built facilities on the site. The witnesses interviewed by Michael
Fabricant were: Adrian Noble (Artistic Director), Chris Foy (Managing
Director), Jonathan Pope (Redevelopment Director), and the actress and RSC
Board Member Sinead Cusack.

While Jonathan Pope was explaining to the Committee in answer to a question
from Mr Fabricant that the demolition of the existing building and building
of a new theatre would take some years, Michael Fabricant suggested that
during the transition period the RSC should make use of the new David
Garrick Theatre now being built in Lichfield. The RSC said that they would
seriously consider this new venue.

Michael Fabricant says: "I support the RSC’s plans to build a new theatre
as the existing theatre does not offer the facilities that are so
desperately needed. Over the last 300 years, there have been 17 new
theatres built at Stratford, each replacing the former. It is time there
was an 18th. However, I am keen that the RSC consider using Lichfield’s
new theatre while their own theatre is being constructed. This will bring
much needed tourism money into our City".