Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock: what the closure has cost, what demolition plans say, and what tonight could mean

The future of Cannock’s Prince of Wales Theatre is back in the spotlight again, with the venue and its next steps expected to be discussed at a Cannock Chase Council scrutiny meeting tonight (Thursday 15 January 2026, 6pm), after earlier discussion was postponed.

While the meeting itself matters, a lot of residents simply want the key facts in one place: why it closed, what it cost to keep open, what repair needs were identified, and why demolition is now being proposed.

The theatre in brief

• Opened: 1984

• Where: Church Street, Cannock

• Capacity: around 427

• Role: the only theatre provision in the immediate area, hosting touring shows and local groups (as well as community events).

TheatresTrust

The theatre was added to the Theatres Trust “Theatres at Risk” register in 2025.

Why it closed, and the key financial figures

Cannock Chase District Council has previously said it was facing a significant budget gap and that the theatre and museum were part of wider proposals to reduce spending.

The council has also published specific figures that have been widely referenced in the debate:

• Annual subsidy (running cost support): the theatre was being subsidised by £167,000 per year (taxpayer funded), excluding some overheads.

• Repair and upgrade needs: a survey suggested the building would need £2.2 million over 10 years, including £1.4 million in the first two years.

• The theatre closed in April 2025 following the council’s decision-making around its leisure, culture and heritage provision.

  
  

Why demolition is being proposed now

In late 2025, council papers connected to Cannock town centre regeneration included the theatre within the “red line” regeneration area, with the intention to demolish the former theatre building, subject to planning consent.

The Theatres Trust has publicly raised concerns about demolition proposals, arguing there is a potential future for the building and questioning whether the impacts and options have been robustly assessed.

The fight to save it

Campaigning around the theatre has been high-profile locally, including:

Petitions reported at 20,000+ signatures.

Community organisations and supporters arguing the theatre is a core part of Cannock’s cultural life and town centre offer.

So what happens tonight?

Tonight’s discussion is expected to focus on scrutiny of earlier decisions connected to the theatre’s future, following “call-ins” linked to the demolition direction.

Realistically, there are a few broad outcomes that can follow from this type of scrutiny discussion:

• Decision stays as-is (demolition direction continues, subject to planning)

• Decision gets referred back for reconsideration or additional work

• Further reports / options appraisal requested before anything irreversible happens