Regional theatres are at the heart of economic regeneration: Lucy Frazer

A chance to be alone with your thoughts reflecting on something different and interesting.

And theatre - more than almost any other art form - is so often a reflection of the state of the nation itself. A mirror to society.

But most of all, theatre enriches our lives. Nobody forgets a trip to the theatre and nobody forgets a moment where they saw or experienced something exceptionally original.

And we are really lucky to have fantastic theatres right across the country. Our regional strengths are on a par with our national ones, with brilliant, innovative productions in places like Sheffield, where a play like Standing at the Sky’s Edge can begin life at the Crucible and go on to win a UK theatre award, an Olivier award and now a Tony award.

Our regional theatres do so much more than simply put on shows. They nourish civic life. They serve our local communities and through their many outreach activities they play an important role in education and in social care, providing creative opportunities for the young and for the vulnerable, and supporting vibrant local networks of freelance artists.

In many towns the theatre is the main visitor attraction and at the centre of regeneration and economic renewal.

I was so pleased to see the Royal Shakespeare Company extend its partnerships with five additional economically deprived areas. It will now give more exposure to theatre and the arts.

When the pandemic reared its ugly head in 2020, it had the potential to be a doomsday event for theatre right across the UK.

But thanks to this Government, and the collaboration between one of my predecessors, the current Deputy Prime Minister, officials in Government, and importantly many in the industry, the worst fears when buildings closed their doors were not realised.

We made a £2 billion investment into preserving our culture and our heritage. That money supported hundreds of theatres up and down the country - protecting crown jewels like the National Theatre and regional gems like the Wolverhampton Grand, the theatre where Sean Connery got his first break.

Most importantly, it made sure the lights of our theatres across the country were only dimmed, and did not go out permanently.

For thousands of people, the pandemic was a period that really put into perspective just how important theatres are to millions of us, and just how vital it is that there are theatres that are local and easily accessible.

Streaming services reaped the rewards of lockdowns, when home entertainment was the only option, but they couldn’t replace the visceral draw of live action.

The buzz that surrounds theatres is a heartening reminder that there is nothing like being in the room where it happens.

Lucy Frazer is Culture Secretary. This is an edited version of a recent speech to the Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre.