Prince of Wales Theatre: Everything we know about the 'doomed' Prince of Wales Theatre prior to Cannock Chase Council's scrutiny meeting

Among items on the agenda at the meeting, which was cancelled last week due to the severe weather brought on by Storm Goretti, was the discussion of plans surrounding the Theatre's inclusion within the regeneration programme's 'red line' for demolition. 

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The meeting was initially scheduled to be held at 6pm on January 7 - but was postponed due to a weather warning for snow covering the region. 

Now, ahead of the council's new meeting at 6pm on January 15, we have looked back on everything we know about the 'doomed' Prince of Wales Theatre.

'The hardest decision we've had to make'

The Prince of Wales Theatre was set to close on December 4, 2024, after the council made the announcement that the venue would be included in the town's regeneration plans. 

The regeneration plans placed the theatre in the 'red line', earmarking it for future demolition.

The theatre later closed its doors in February of last year, with the council voting against a community transfer bid to save the location in September, 2025.

The move sparked a large amount of controversy from many members of the community, with council leader Steve Thornley saying that closing the theatre was 'the hardest decision' that members of the council have had to take

'Save the Prince of Wales Theatre'

The controversial plans were hugely opposed by members of both the Cannock and theatre communities, with a change.org petition launched in an attempt to save the theatre.

The 'Save the Prince of Wales Theatre' petition was quickly launched following the announcement, with thousands of people rushing to add their signatures in a last-ditch effort to preserve the venue. 

Among the signees was the local member of parliament for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge, Sir Gavin Williamson, as well as a range of notable local performers, including Claire Oatley and many more.

To date, the petition has gained almost 21,000 signatures, with more people signing each day.

'It's part of who we are'

Visiting Cannock, residents and acting groups talked about the huge impact the loss of the theatre would have on the region, with many saying that it would be 'the death of the arts'.

Talking about the closure in November 2024, Josh and Jade Richardson, both from Cannock, said: "You can't take these away without taking away a part of Cannock.

"It's part of who we are."

Campaigners, Steve and Helen Ralphs, from Hednesford, added: "It's another nail in the coffin for Cannock, it's a jewel in the crown for this area. 

"If it closes, you just won't be able to build the memories that we had with future generations."

The meeting is set to be held at 6pm on Thursday, January 15.