SWAN Theatre campaigners held protest placards and posters up throughout a meeting of the city council cabinet last night.
They clapped and cheered after the theatre's artistic director, Jenny Stephens, made a plea to members to think carefully before going ahead with plans to reduce the Swan's grant.
She talked about the "home-grown" talent that the playhouse had already supported by staging works by local playwrights that are set in the city.
"Instead of withdrawing funding, isn't it possible that the council could support this work - allow it to live, and breathe, and grow?" she said. "Clearly you care about the city, and of course you have to be financially prudent, but wouldn't it be better to be responsible for something positive and forward looking?" she added.
Discussions
Council leader Stephen Inman thanked her for addressing the cabinet and said members would keep them in mind during the budget discussions ahead.
He also reminded the protestors that the theatre's future would be discussed at a special meeting of the community services policy and review committee at the Guildhall, on Monday at 7.30pm.
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