The National Lottery grant, which was awarded by the Arts Council England in 2002, has contributed to the two-year refurbishment project that has vastly improved facilities for audience members, staff and visiting performers. Improved wheelchair access, as well as enhanced facilities for the hard of hearing and visually impaired, have ensured that even more people than before have the opportunity to enjoy the fantastic performances the theatre has to offer. The grant has allowed the theatre to purchase new seating, build more entrances to each level, as well as create a brand new café called Café Purple, which is open throughout the day.
To date, nearly 10,000 Blue Plaques have been awarded to Lottery funded projects to show exactly where National Lottery money has been spent and how National Lottery players have made a difference to communities across the UK. National Lottery operator, Camelot, has sponsored the first 10,000 Blue Plaques.
Lawrence Till, Artistic Director of Watford Palace Theatre, said “We are delighted to receive a National Lottery Blue Plaque. The funding we received was a positive endorsement by the Arts Council of England through the National Lottery and reinforces this theatre’s ability to produce award winning productions and attract great actors, writers and directors to this wonderful building. It also enables us to work with new playwrights to develop and nurture their work. ”
The National Lottery has made a huge impact on local communities but many players are not aware of how their money has been spent. Across the UK, National Lottery players have raised over £16 billion for good causes - benefiting over 180,000 projects, both large and small.
Since the launch in 1994 over £17 million has been distributed to projects in Watford alone. This has helped other local organisations such as Watford YMCA, Westfield School and Hertfordshire Connexions Service
Sir Christopher Frayling, Chair of Arts Council England said: "Arts Council England believes that the arts are for everyone and over the past ten years £2 billion of National Lottery funds have contributed greatly to making this belief come true. The refurbishment of Watford Palace Theatre is a terrific example of how Lottery funds have opened up the arts to new communities and audiences. This beautiful building will provide a focal point for the local community and will produce an exciting programme of work which I'm sure will make Watford Palace Theatre a national centre of excellence in the arts."
Dianne Thompson, Chief Executive of National Lottery operator Camelot, said: “As operator of The National Lottery, Camelot is aware how crucial it is to communicate to the playing public where their money has gone. We hope Blue Plaques on National Lottery funded projects will help the public see exactly how their money has been spent and how - by playing Lottery games - they have helped transform communities throughout the UK.”
