Stars have criticised plans to slash the funding for arts and culture in Suffolk, describing the plans as "disheartening".
Last week, it was announced that Suffolk County Council will be cutting all investment in arts and culture from April next year, scrapping £500,000 of funding to the arts and museums sector.
The council has explained that in order to balance its books, it will need to save about £65million in total over the next two years. Council tax will also rise by 5% in the spring.
However, the council also said it will be spending an extra £74m on vulnerable adults and children over the next two years.
Stars with links to Suffolk have hit out at the council’s decision, expressing concern at the consequences this loss of funding will have for the county.
On Saturday, star of stage and screen Dame Judi Dench said she was “deeply shocked”, saying: “The removal of this support is heart-breaking, regional theatre is the foundation of British theatre and its place in our lives must be protected.”
Now, leading lady Kerry Ellis is said to have been "outraged" when she heard of the council's decision.
The Haughley-born star of Wicked, My Fair Lady and Les Misérables argued that stars do not arrive fully-formed at places such as the National Theatre and The Royal Albert Hall, but instead needed to be nurtured by their local theatre and drama groups.
She said: "I am beyond disappointed to hear that Suffolk County Council will stopping support for the arts from 2025. Theatres like the New Wolsey and the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds were my churches growing up.
"They were the kind of spaces that showed me I could have a career in the arts. The arts have been way down on the priority list for years and now to be pushed even further down is even more disheartening to say the least. Hopefully something can be done."
Radio writer Jan Etherington agreed. The Second Thoughts writer moved to Southwold some years ago, and said that the county was known for being a cultural hub.
"You can't throw a dog lead in Suffolk without hitting a BAFTA writer," she said. "People come to Suffolk for culture. We have reared and created so many wonderful artists, writers and actors.
"In Suffolk, we are perhaps not unique but certainly unusual in having so many sites of cultural excellence so close together.
"Taking those away puts us in danger of losing what makes Suffolk a destination."
Iain Croker is the Equity Official for our region. He has called on the public to take action by contacting their local MP or councillor, saying: "Equity and its members across East Anglia will strongly resist these cuts, which not only jeopardise our local identity but also threaten economic growth at a time when the area is supposed to be levelled up.
"The arts play a crucial role in Suffolk's local communities, providing employment opportunities and enriching the lives of its residents. The proposed cuts risk undermining the vibrant arts scene that Suffolk is known for, potentially leading to long-term consequences for the region's economy and social fabric.
"Local residents and supporters of the arts are urged to voice their concerns and advocate for the preservation of arts funding in Suffolk. By working together, we can ensure that the county continues to thrive culturally and economically."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here