Not Quite the End for Struggling Theatre Museum???

Supporters of the Theatre Museum in Covent Garden have pulled together to launch petition group Guardians of the Theatre Museum – chaired by Save London’s Theatre Campaign and the Society for Theatre Research - in a last attempt at saving the institution, which is due to be closed by its owners, the Victoria and Albert Museum, on 7 January 2007 (See News, 25 Sep 2006). The Guardians include Cameron Mackintosh, Simon Callow, Judi Dench, Zoe Wannamaker, Derek Jacobi and Kwame Kwei-Armah, who are demanding the V&A withdraws its notice of closure on the museum, which has been under threat since Heritage Lottery Fund turned down two grant applications from the V&A for redevelopment. The organisation is looking for alternative ways to manage the institution. The V&A say it is a matter of funding and they are open to new initiatives. Guardians of the Theatre Museum already have support from various MPs and MEPs, who are challenging the government about why they are closing the museum despite strong protests from the industry. It is aiming to secure 100,000 signatures backing its campaign by Christmas. Supporters can sign the petition by visiting www.theatremuseumguardians.org.

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