| “We're Going to Fail but We're Going to Fail in Really Interesting Ways" |
National Theatre: Comment |
| The Final Curtain- Explained , TEAM Collective Cymru /National Theatre of Wales , July 27, 2026 |
The sentence that heads this article comes from Lorne Campbell, artistic director of the National Theatre of Wales 2020-2024. In fact the company's failure was not overly interesting; it went for the reason all companies go over the edge. A cash crunch came that was too much to bear. Tax does not often get referred to by theatre critics but it was tax that did it. Theatre Tax Relief is a measure introduced by the UK coalition government of 2010-2015. It is a financial incentive for theatre allowing production companies to claim additional deductions on production costs. The management was advised that an event in Lorne Campbell's last year was not eligible. The management reportedly took no heed of the advice. The relief is for theatre. The tax authorities did not have to look far for their decision that “Kidstown” did not meet the criteria of the incentive. They only had to refer to the company's own publicity. “This summer in Newtown, the National Eisteddfod and Ebbw Vale, children aged 6-11 years old are invited to Kidstown to play a massive game that they make up themselves. “...Through the joy of unadulterated play and the power of storytelling, Kidstown offers children a space to imagine the world they want to live in...kids will enter the giant outdoor arena, designed by Amy Pitt. Here, they'll find stuff to play with, build and wear. “Grown-ups are invited to take a seat outside, relax and listen to the rolling news being broadcast of what’s happening inside.” It is there in plain sight, 19th July 2023, at https://arts.wales/news-jobs-opportunities/kidstown, and elsewhere. It was a children's play event. Theatre comes from a root "theatron", a seeing-place. The tax authorities could not discern an audience. And for a reason that there was none. * * * * The directors reported on the hazard in their last report: “The company is awaiting a decision from HMRC in respect of the receipt of £124,000. The trustees consider that receipt of this payment will enable the company to continue as a going concern. “However, if the payment is not received, this represents a material uncertainty which may cast doubt on the organisation's ability to continue as a going concern in 2026/2027.” But they had also given away a large sum of money: “The decision was made, during a board meeting in January 2025, that a vote should be held to decide on the most appropriate allocation of the final tranche of money from the Arts Council Wales transition fund. "The board agreed that of the remaining amount, £200,000 ought to be revoked to be given to Welsh National Theatre, and £26,000 ought to remain with TEAM Collective Cymru. This remaining money was used to ensure TEAM's survival as we awaited our Theatre Tax Relief claims and Cardiff Councils [sic] UK Shared Prosperity grant.” The Chair then resigned on 25th January 2025. In the year 2024/2025 the Chair received “fees of £6000 for their professional services as Transition Director/ Interim Executive Director.” The Stage newspaper reported the Arts Council of Wales as saying: “National Theatre of Wales advised ACW that it was restructuring into two organisations: TEAM Collective Cymru and a new charity, Welsh National Theatre”. The article dated this statement from 2024, before the board had made its decision. Thus the directors raised the prospect of hazard to the company's future while depleting its coffers by £200,000. This raised the illiquidity risk of the company. And in the same season made payment of thousands of pounds to their own Chair for activities undisclosed. Despite £200,000 gifted to the Welsh National Theatre in January Sharon Gilburd stated on 8th March 2026: “In April 2025, the company launched its inaugural programme. “As we stood on a stage at WMC announcing the programme, we had no bank account, no money, but a commitment, vision and will to make it happen.” Source: https://www.welshnationaltheatre.com/sharons-story * * * * TEAM Collective Cymru looked a shaky edifice. Companies are formed to do things. Services and goods are targeted for beneficiaries. Its objectives were not clear. It was not an arts production company. It was not a formal training institution. Instead it aspired “to be leaders of community-powered creativity in Wales- celebrating every voice, empowering artists and inspiring collective cultural and social change within all artforms.” Yet communities in Wales are happily making music and dance and performance. It is hard to discern what a tiny group in Cardiff added . The company paid well. The five members of staff were paid £291,126 in the last reporting year. To which were added national insurance and pension of £24.724 and £16,407 respectively. * * * * And so on 10th June 2026 came an abrupt announcement. It read in full. “A statement from TEAM Collective Cymru “TEAM Collective Cymru was built around a belief that creativity belongs to everyone, and that shared stories, multilingual voices and collective imagination can help shape a creative, confident and connected Cymru. “Over the last few years, it has been our privilege to work alongside artists, young people, communities and partners across Cymru, creating spaces where voices could be heard, creativity could be shared, and connection could thrive. “While it has been an unavoidable truth that in recent years this has been full of challenges in the industry and beyond, we have been proud of the work we have been able to support and nurture since our inception as TEAM Collective Cymru. “Despite these efforts and what has been created, we are now sad to announce the closure of TEAM Collective Cymru. “We remain full of gratitude and pride for what has been created and the brilliant people who have worked for and with the organisation in many different capacities. The work created and ideas shared have been a true testament to our belief that the artistic community of Cymru is at its best when we work together and when a diverse set of voices are celebrated. “Since our launch as a new company we have been able to support countless creatives, bringing fringe theatre, performance and artistic discussion to communities, all through a programme of democratising the arts in Cymru. Through support from the UK shared prosperity fund we were able to bring events and opportunities to many artists in Cardiff, allowing them to develop their ideas from work in progress to presentations and live performances. “We are excited to see how much of this work has continued to grow and thrive from their initial conceptions. We have also been extremely excited to support our Young Collective grow from our programme centred around developing their own artistic practices, to now seeing them thrive in the industry. “We have been lucky to partner with many great organisations over this time, from our work with Counterpoints where we hosted a safe and creative space to discuss the impact of mental health in relation to refugee experiences, taking part in Refugee Week in 2025, to our collaborations with The Sustainable Studio and Porters who presented spaces for many of our events and who are true hubs for creative communities. “There has been endless energy and belief that so many people have poured into TEAM CC to help it thrive. We want to share our sincere thanks to everyone who has shaped this organisation. Your creativity and commitment have been at the heart of everything TEAM CC has stood for. “We also want to acknowledge all those who worked so hard to give the organisation every possible chance to survive. This closure is not a reflection of a lack of vision, effort or impact. Rather, it is the result of unavoidable circumstances that left no viable outcome other than to close. “As we reach the end of this chapter, we do so with happiness for all that has been shared, created and championed together. We know that the relationships, conversations, creativity and care that have been fostered through TEAM CC will continue to live on in the people and communities who made this work matter. “A note from the Chair of our board: “It is with deep pride in all we have achieved - and real sadness - that we share the news that Team CC will be closing. “This organisation has been something truly special: bringing people together with art, creating opportunities, and making a meaningful difference in so many lives. “Everything we have done has been shaped by creativity - something worth celebrating. “However, like many organisations, we have faced challenges that mean we can no longer sustain our work. This decision has not been taken lightly, but we take comfort in the impact we have had and the legacy we leave behind. “My heartfelt thanks also go to our staff and trustees, whose passion and professionalism have been the driving force behind our work. T”o our partners, supporters and collaborators - thank you for your belief in us and for helping us achieve more together. “While this chapter closes, our legacy will endure in the people, ideas and connections we’ve supported. It has been an honour to serve as the Chair, and I am deeply proud of all we have achieved. “Finally, thank you to everyone who has been part of the TEAM Collective Cymru journey over the last couple of years. It has been an honour to work with and for communities across Cymru.” * * * * These 783 words invite comments. Falsity is so built into the corporate culture that it is unsurprising that, after the pride and the happiness expressed, it ends with “work with and for communities across Cymru.” In fact, the principal funding it sought since the loss of Arts Council funding specifically forbade its expenditure outside Cardiff. The abstractions are many and the concrete activities few. In the blandest of officialese closure is ascribed to “the result of unavoidable circumstances that left no viable outcome other than to close.” Managerial decisions are let off the hook. So the company sinks beneath the waves. It happens every day. But this company comes with a difference. The statement, unusually, is made anonymously. Deep pride may be expressed but no name may be attached to it. The anonymity extends to the website. Unusually it has no address or contact details. But the National Theatre of Wales has been a significant company. Researchers and historians will take an interest. There is an archive of many years standing; its ownership and whereabouts are not stated. This is not a satisfactory situation. |
Reviewed by: Adam Somerset |
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