Newbury MP Laura Farris says the Arts Council should reverse its funding cuts decision for the Watermill Theatre.

She raised the matter in a Parliamentary debate on funding decisions following the news last year that the theatre’s funding, provided by Arts Council England, would be dramatically, and unexpectedly, brought to an end.

In her speech, Mrs Farris spoke out about the importance of the theatre to the local community, describing it as a “treasured” resource.

She said she was surprised at the decision and said that the decision-making process had lacked transparency and accountability and there had been no prior consultation with the theatre.

Mrs Farris called on the Arts Council to reverse the move, which she described as “deeply disappointing” and “capricious decision-making which undermines the status of the Arts Council as a guarantor of our national arts output”.

She has already written to the Culture Secretary, Michelle Donelan.

Reading Chronicle: The theatre (Photo: Philip Tull)

“The Arts Council’s decision to reject the Watermill’s funding application for the next three years has serious implications for the future of one of our best-loved local venues,” she added.

“It is no exaggeration to say that getting reasons for their decision has been like getting blood out of a stone, and the Watermill still does not understand why it was unsuccessful when it has been in every previous funding allocation.

“The Arts Council has made a number of controversial decisions this year, including stopping funding to the English National Opera.

“It obviously recognises the deficiencies in its process because it has changed its mind on the ENO and announced last week that it would award them a further year’s funding.

“I am asking it to do the same with the Watermill in recognition of its exceptional contribution to local and national theatre production.”