Vince Cable

The final determination of Arts Council grants reinstated the 17% cut in Orange Tree theatre funding

However, other arts groups with strong local support like the London Mozart Players or the Waterman's Centre in Brentford have taken a big hit.

The Orange Tree benefited from a strong campaign from actors, theatre critics and others as well as borough representatives and MPs.

Vincent Cable, MP, said that: "there was a very effective campaign to impress on the Arts Council that the Orange Tree is a rather special institution: not just a local theatre but one of the leading, and most innovative, theatre groups in the Capital, indeed the country. The climb down over the cuts is very welcome news".