Dr Simon Opher, Labour MP for Stroud, has welcomed new government funding for Eastington’s Two Can Inclusive Theatre Company, describing it as a significant boost for local arts and accessibility.
Two Can Inclusive Theatre Company is a charity providing accessible creative experiences, theatre training and performance opportunities for people with disabilities, both across Stroud and the wider region.
The organisation will receive £283,169 as part of the Labour Government’s £127.8 million investment in cultural venues across England. It is one of only a handful of organisations in the South West to be awarded funding through the Creative Foundations Fund.
Dr Simon Opher MP said:
“Our local arts, culture and library spaces are the heart of our community, bringing people together and celebrating what makes Stroud special.
This funding is fantastic news. It will help secure the future of Two Can Inclusive Theatre Company, improve access, and ensure it continues to serve local people for years to come.”
The funding will enable Two Can Inclusive Theatre Company to repair, future-proof and transform its Victorian schoolhouse into a fully accessible, energy-efficient creative hub for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists, participants and audiences.
The project forms part of its “Restoring Space, Reclaiming Voice” programme — a wider capital works initiative to restore and modernise its main venue, a former Methodist Church on Alkerton Road.
Planned works include roof replacement, insulation and ceiling upgrades, damp proofing, and structural repairs. Accessibility improvements will also be delivered, including step-free access, hearing loops, adjustable lighting, echo reduction and flexible partitions, helping to secure the long-term future of the venue and improve access for the local community.
