As theatres around the world were forced to shut down in March to stop the spread of COVID-19, they lost their main source of revenue – ticket sales. Faced with this unprecedented crisis, the Theatres Trust and Crowdfunder UK have partnered together to launch the #SaveOurTheatres campaign.
#SaveOurTheatres Announcement
The campaign was launched in September to save hundreds of theatres that are at risk of permanently closing due to the financial toll of the pandemic:
#BringBackBrightonDome
The Brighton Dome and its accompanying Brighton Festival is a typical participating theatre. The venue lost 67 percent of its income from ticket sales and events since it was forced to close in March. Brighton Festival 2020 was also cancelled due to the pandemic. As of this writing, the theatre is still closed for live events and only hosts livestreamed events mostly consisting of public talks, a departure from its usual focus on the performing arts. Dozens of live performances had to be cancelled or rescheduled for 2021, leaving the performers and the crew in a precarious situation.
The registered arts charity is aiming to raise £50,000 through community donations to reach the additional £250,000 it needs for the next year. As is typical of many participating theatres, the Brighton Dome will offer supporters rewards for their donations which includes art prints, ticket vouchers, signed posters, and personal backstage tours.
“Our extraordinary team are committed to bringing back arts and culture to our venues”, said chief executive Andrew Comben in an interview with The Argus. “Anyone who is able to donate to the campaign will not only be supporting the city’s vital arts community but they will be doing their bit to help bring back live performance to one of its most treasured spaces.”
How Can You Help?
If you want to support your favourite UK theatre, you can make a donation to your local theatre. Check out participating theatres and keep an eye out for more in the upcoming weeks. You can also donate to the Theatres Trust campaign to help fund their work of giving free advice and of making grants that will go towards the theatres’ reopening costs.
