Northampton theatre launches emergency fundraising appeal as 90% income slashed in lockdown

The Royal & Derngate welcomes close to half a million audience members annually.

To mark the 136th birthday of the founding of the Royal Theatre, The Royal & Derngate and Northampton Filmhouse has launched the 'Help Bring Us Back Together' campaign.

It comes as the organisation, which earns close to 90% of its income through ticket sales and bar revenue, was shut overnight on 18th March with 85% of the venue's 230 employees now on furlough.

The fundraising appeal encourages customers to book tickets for events later in the year – including hit musical SIX and the annual pantomime, buy vouchers for gifts or become a year-long member.

The Help Bring Us Back Together campaign highlights the many things the public can do to help support the venues.

Jo Gordon, chief executive at Royal & Derngate said: “We want to thank everyone who has been so supportive since we closed. We have been bowled over by all the messages of solidarity and encouragement, and the many people who have already helped by choosing to donate or accept voucher credit, rather than a refund, when their show has been cancelled.

"We are very aware that there are many people in need across the town and county at this difficult time but we hope that more people might now consider making a donation to help bring us back together, when it’s safe to do so. We have an awful lot to look forward to."

The theatres have estimated more than 40,000 tickets have been cancelled or postponed since lockdown started and bosses are working towards re-opening the venue, which brings £28 million to the local economy every year, when government restrictions and health advice allows.

James Dacre, artistic director, added: “As we emerge from the current crisis, our role in bringing people together to share stories will be more important than ever. Whether that's the thousands of artists and local people we champion on our stages every year, or the young and marginalised people whose talents we help to develop.

"Before the pandemic, we were entertaining more people than ever before. Our diverse programme drew tens of thousands of local people to the theatre each month, as well as touring around the UK - including West End transfers for four of our homegrown Made in Northampton productions this season alone.”