A Bradford student is making a film about the role of the Priestley Centre in Bradford's cultural life.

And the film-maker has enlisted the help of Lord Puttnam - chairman of Bradford's Capital of Culture Partnership Board - with the project.

Ben Armstrong, 21, has researched the history of the Bradford theatre and the life of its founder, JB Priestley, and has looked into ways of taking it out of the financial crisis that has dogged it in recent months.

The video, called Big Trouble in Little Germany, is narrated by former Radio 1 presenter Simon Bates and features interviews with Lord Puttnam, JB Priestley's son Tom Priestley, director of West Yorkshire Playhouse, Jude Kelly, and Bradford Council leader Margaret Eaton.

It examines JB Priestley's early life in Bradford, and the varied facilities the theatre offers today.

"It looks at why there is no funding available for it, explores the development of the surrounding area in Little Germany, and asks the question - can Bradford really bid for Capital of Culture in 2008 if the city is willing to let one of the most historically precious establishments close?," said Ben.

The project is part of Ben's degree in Television and Radio at Salford University and he plans to show it at the Priestley when it is completed.

Ben said the future of the theatre depends on funding and community support.

"The Priestley has just been scraping by from one lean period to the next. It needs to become a professionally-funded organisation," he said.

He added: "One way forward could be for it to become a satellite of the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds."

Ben, who is aiming for a career in television, said the video examined the plight of the Priestley "and why, after 73 years of entertaining the West Riding, this wonderful little theatre is facing closure.

"It's not just a theatre - it's very much a grassroots community facility. Places like this are sadly a dying breed and they will die out unless they become professional venues. JB Priestley fought for people, he didn't want the arts to be highbrow and elitist. He often talked about the arts being a window out of the humdrum of ordinary life. The Priestley Centre is for everyone."

Ben caught up with Lord Puttnam when he was in Bradford last Friday to host a business conference. "He was very helpful, and very interested in the project," said Ben.

"He said Bradford has to look at ways of developing the arts so they move with the times. He said the arts can change people's lives."

Priestley director Glenn Boldy said: "People don't always know we're here. This documentary will act as a map and as an insight into the vision that we hold for this wonderful little theatre. It will also act as a tribute to its namesake, JB Priestley himself."