The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre has moved to remind would-be-theatre-goers that it is still possible to support the creative arts during the current climate of restrictions.
The Grand, like many theatres across the country, is a registered charity and it is quite possible to make a charitable donation to help ensure that the UK still has a thriving arts scene to return to after the restrictions have eased.
Writing on their website, the theatre, which has been at the heart of Wolverhampton life since 1894, said, ‘We passionately believe that the Arts – and in particular theatre – can have a positive and transformative effect on people’s lives. Our various projects and outreach activities engage with people of all ages and backgrounds to achieve this vision and inspire them through the magic of theatre.’
As well as making a simple donation, supporters can also sponsor a seat in the auditorium or name a brick in the Encore Lounge.
The news comes as Jennifer Saunders joined a two minute Silent Stand in London’s west end to urge the government to do more to help support theatres.
Although the government made it legal for theatres to re-open on August 15th, the vast majority, like the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, have not been able to do so because it is simply not viable to do so amid the current restrictions. The fact that theatres are only permitted to be thirty to forty percent full means that near enough every production that did go ahead would lose money.
As director and choreographer Sir Matthew Bourne put it on Twitter: 'Why make these announcements when they know that the vast majority of theatre, dance and music is not financially viable under 'Covid secure' conditions?'
It is no surprise therefore that many theatres are looking to sponsorship and charitable donations for help. The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre summed the situation up neatly, saying ‘2019 was our 125th Anniversary and we want to be here to inspire audiences for another 125 years and beyond… but we can’t do it alone.’
