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Dame Judi Dench pleads for theatre funding

23-Feb-2005 • Actor News

Dame Judi Dench joined theatre bosses from across the country in Birmingham to face a grilling from MPs over the level of cash they get from the taxpayer - reports icBirmingham.

The veteran actress, whose roles include M in the James Bond movies, was among a Royal Shakespeare Company delegation quizzed over its controversial £100 million redevelopment.

The Commons culture, media and sport select committee was at the Birmingham Rep to investigate the public support for British theatre.

The select committee, which included Midland MPs Michael Fabricant and Debra Shipley, accused the RSC of mistakes over its plans.

The RSC was forced to abandon its proposal to demolish its main theatre building and is now looking to redevelop it with

Dame Judi said the new auditorium would bring theatre-goers much closer to the stage.

Earlier in the day, The Rep's executive director Stuart Rogers pleaded with MPs not to reduce the level of funding from the Arts Council.

He said their achievement in doubling audience figures over the last three years due to a 50 per cent increase in public cash was now being put at risk.

Thanks to `JP` for the alert.

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