Trevor Nunn Says Dwindling Regional Theatre Will Affect Economy, West End Talent

As reported by The Telegraph, Sir Trevor Nunn, former artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre, warned that cuts to arts funding, especially for regional theatre companies, would have a far-reaching effect on the West End talent pool and Britain's tourism industry.

"London is generally regarded as the theatre center of the world," Nunn said on BBC's Andrew Marr Show, "But that means it's an extraordinary component in the tourist business." He continued, saying the industry "had to be invested in" the future. "It's the rep companies, the regional theatres that give opportunity and training to the next generation."

Read the original report here.

Nunn's statements followed similar remarks recently made by Sir Ian McKellen, who said that without a steady availability of regional acting opportunities, the UK risks losing stage talents equal to that of Dame Judi Dench and others. He also stressed the importance of performers being able to live from their work.

Nunn is currently directing Kiss Me, Kate at The Old Vic. McKellen will next appear in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey film this year.