The New Theatre Peterborough has secured emergency cash support to help survive the lockdown.
Arts Council England is supporting the venue through the Emergency Response Fund a £160 million Emergency Response Package, with nearly 90% coming from the National Lottery, for organisations and individuals needing support.
The Emergency Response Fund that has been granted to the New Theatre will help maintain the venue while income is limited.
Local venues have been hit hard by lockdown with the future of many local theatres in doubt. Selladoor Venues, say they’re committed to ensuring the long-term stability of this much-loved venue and delivering a programme of events that the local community can be proud of.
Some customers have generously donated tickets as well as transferring cancelled tickets into credits for future shows, something the venue owners say is a huge help to secure a great future for the New Theatre and will enable the venue to continue to present a great programme for many years to come.
David Hutchinson, co-owner of Selladoor Venues said, “The funding that we have received from National Lottery Players and Arts Council England is essential to ensure the future of our theatre and we are extremely grateful to have been supported by this fund.
“Since the closure of the venue in March due to Covid-19, we have been working to ensure the venue’s future and secure an outstanding programme of events for our local region to enjoy when we are able to reopen the doors. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our customers and messages of support and want to send a huge heartfelt thanks to all of our loyal customers.”
At present, the re-opening dates of theatres across the country is uncertain and the New Theatre and all Selladoor’s venues are determined to raise the curtain as soon as possible, but only when they can be sure to give audiences the great night out they deserve.
Many shows have already been successfully rescheduled to future dates including the 2020 UK tour of Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Strictly Ballroom The Musical’, starring Kevin Clifton and directed by Craig Revel Horwood, which will now come to Peterborough New Theatre for 10-15 January 2022.
Kevin Clifton said: “I’m really delighted that the Strictly Ballroom tour has been rescheduled. As I’ve mentioned before, it’s my all-time favourite film and Scott Hastings is my dream role, so I can’t wait to bring this musical to theatres across the UK next year. In the meantime, please stay safe and keep well everyone.”
Craig Revel Horwood added: “I’m thrilled that our new production of ‘Strictly Ballroom The Musical’ has been rescheduled for 2021/2022. The tour may be a year later, but you can still expect those same sexy dance moves, scintillating costumes and a simply FAB-U-LOUS show for all to enjoy, starring the one and only Kevin Clifton!”
Photo: Kevin Clifton by Dave Hogan
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