Playhouse given ‘top level’ award from the Arts Council’s Catalyst Arts funding

A Kilburn theatre has benefited from a double bonus this week after landing thousands of pounds worth of funding while its new director was handed a special award.

The Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn High Road has been awarded a ‘top-level’ grant of �240,000 from central government.

The grant, from the Arts Council’s Catalyst Arts funding, will be paid to the theatre in Kilburn High Road over a three year period.

The playhouse, renowned for tackling controversial issues, was one of only 39 organisations to have been awarded the top level of funding.

The theatre’s financial plight has been much publicised over the last year with former artistic director Nicolas Kent stepping down from his 28-year tenure last month in a protest over government cuts.

His successor, Indhu Rubasingham, was handed the Arts and Culture Award at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards.

The annual award is designed to celebrate Britain’s pioneering Asian women.

Miss Rubasingham, who officially took over from Mr Kent this month, said: “What an exciting few weeks to start at the Tricycle.

“I am extremely grateful to the Arts Council for the Catalyst funding which will be hugely significant in achieving my vision for the Tricycle Theatre.”

In addition, Miss Rubasingham also had reason to celebrate after she was handed the Arts and Culture Award at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards, last week.

The annual award is designed to celebrate and recognise Britain’s pioneering Asian women.

She said: “I am honoured to be given this award. Both professionally and personally it was fantastic to be recognised among so many great individuals for my work in theatre.

“I thank the Tricycle board for my nomination”.