Theatre by the Lake (TBTL) announce the commencement of a significant technical infrastructure upgrade to coincide with its 25th anniversary season. They have received £67,885 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which will allow the theatre to provide high-quality cultural experiences for audiences and communities across Cumberland and the wider region.

The first phase of funding involves the procurement of new LED lights and a sound desk. This will not only benefit productions made by TBTL, but also community groups using the venue will receive state-of-the-art technical support.

Simon Stephens, Executive Director and Joint CEO of TBTL said: “At TBTL we’re proud to champion Cumbrian creativity and support fantastic performing arts groups and societies. In enabling this major technical upgrade, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund has helped to ensure that we can continue to provide professional support and cultural experiences of the highest quality for local communities.”

The sound desk has already been installed and one of the first events to benefit from the new equipment was Keswick Amateur Operatic Society’s (KAOS) recent production of The Sound of Music.

Alex Lehninger, Chair of KAOS added: “We always have an amazing experience at TBTL with access to the specialist sound, lighting and projecting equipment, as well as the professional support that we receive from the team. This year we were privileged to be able to use the new sound desk which really enhanced the sound element of the show. We’re already looking forward to our return next year.”

This project is the first step in an ambitious plan to replace all tungsten lighting with LED upgrades, which use approximately 30% less energy and will help TBTL to meet its commitment to carbon neutrality by 2037. In the coming weeks, TBTL will purchase four LED mover lights for their Main House auditorium, and portable LED lights and controls for the Studio. Investing in portable lighting equipment enables the theatre, through community touring, to increase access to first-class cultural offerings in civic and rural venues across Cumbria.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.