Three-year funding boost from borough council to help theatre build on success

This is a joint press release with The Roses, Tewkesbury.

A prominent Gloucestershire theatre has received a six-figure funding commitment from its local authority, in a significant vote of confidence for the role of culture in local communities and economies.

The Roses Theatre has been granted £150,000 over three years by Tewkesbury Borough Council in an agreement which officials say, “builds on success.”

“The Roses Theatre is a huge part of our community and a real asset to the borough,” says Councillor Richard Stanley, Lead Member for Economic Development and Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council.

“It plays a vital role in local life and the economy, already bringing £2.1m into the town and the surrounding area every year. This investment builds on that success, giving the theatre the stability to continue to grow as a vibrant cultural hub.”

‘A fantastic opportunity’

The Roses celebrated its 50th anniversary in late 2025, and during its anniversary season has emphasised a range of community outreach. Recent activity has included:

• A range of community groups involve a free knitting group, a choir, a sing for health and a wellbeing group, plus quiz and open mic nights
• A successful youth theatre group, Roses Young Creatives
• Hosting the opening night of Tewkesbury’s Big Weekend event in May
• Partnering with the town’s Medieval Festival to bring back the events beloved town centre parade in July
• Organising for the first time a theatre Garden Festival over the first weekend in August.

More than 500 people a week benefit from the theatre’s various community-facing sessions, including both children and older people. More than 80,000 people a year attend its productions, with a third of them coming into the borough from Birmingham, Warwickshire, Bristol, Wales and beyond.

The theatre is a registered charity which receives no other core funding. 80% of its tickets sales go to performers. Nonetheless, the Roses is thriving creatively. “2026 has been such an exciting year for The Roses and Tewkesbury,” says Derek Bond, who was appointed the theatre’s Artistic Director in September 2025.

“We’ve enjoyed a 13% ticket sales increase year on year and achieved a £2.26m impact on the local economy. Our partnership with Tewkesbury Borough Council is such a fantastic opportunity to redouble this growth and really set Tewkesbury’s culture and economy on the path to a vibrant future.”

‘A vital role in local life’

The funding has been agreed at a time of widespread reduction in local authority funding for the arts, placing Tewkesbury at the forefront of renewed community investment – in-keeping with the council’s priority of “supporting people and strengthening communities.”

“The Roses already delivers a fantastic programme and plays a vital role in local life and the economy,” adds Councillor Stanley. “Tens of thousands of people attend its events every year, including its annual pantomime – which last year broke sales records.

“This investment in a key asset for our community builds on that success in bringing people together, nurturing local talent and strengthening the town’s identity.”

It is hoped that this refreshed focus on culture in Tewkesbury, which aligns with a new strategic approach being developed at The Roses, will help build further long-term links with Arts Council England and other funding bodies.

“The cost of shows has risen by 67% in the last year alone,” explains Bond.

“That places more demands than ever on theatres and funders to act efficiently, creative and collaboratively to ensure we can continue to bring the economic, cultural and well-being benefits of live theatre to our towns and communities.

“This funding from Tewkesbury Borough Council is a remarkable down-payment on making our town an even more magical place to be.”

ENDS

Photo credit: Meg Anderson Photography, left to right Cllr Richard Stanley, Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council standing with Derek Bond Chief Executive Officer at The Roses.