Awards special

Arts Award for Small to Medium Sized Lenders

December 2007

Opened in 1957 by Sir John Gieldud, Middlesbrough Theatre was the first theatre to be built after the Second World War and celebrated its 50th anniversary in October. The theatre prides itself on playing host to a wide range of professional, amateur and community shows and events, bringing renowned companies and acts into the town, while continuing to provide a platform for local talent.

Middlesbrough Theatre just about breaks even each year thanks to support from Middlesbrough Council. Unfortunately, the Council was unable to increase its commitment to help the threatre celebrate its 50th birthday and was therefore desperate to find a sponsor. Darlington Building Society was more than pleased to step in and guarantee that the 50th anniversary autumn season could go ahead as planned.

Darlington’s financial commitment, is likely to be doubled through government matching, but the society also contributed a similar sum in terms of promotional support. This includes design and printing of tickets, ticket wallets and posters, together with marketing and public relations expertise.

Darlington has been a major sponsor of local arts for 15 years and is probably number one in terms of financial support and the number of projects supported. It has sponsored the Darlington Civic Theatre since 1994, The Castle Players since 2002, Beamish - the North of England Open Air Museum since 2003, Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle since 2004 and a host of smaller arts projects.