Curtain Up: Our New Fundraising Appeal

Anyone can donate to the new appeal, which is seeking to raise funds for the overall running of the Playhouse, ensuring we can re-open our doors after Coronavirus saw productions halted for several months.

We’ve already been bowled over by the amount of people who have offered to donate ticket refunds to its 50:50 and Shine appeals.* However, this new fund will ensure that money can go towards so much more that will benefit and delight the people of Nottingham and beyond. Including the reopening of the whole theatre, bringing postponed shows back to the stage, creation of bold, new productions and the re-starting of classes, courses, youth theatres and work in the community.

Stephanie Sirr, Chief Executive at Nottingham Playhouse, said: “Like so many charities, Nottingham Playhouse is facing a difficult time. 70% of our income comes from ticket sales, and as we are currently unable to put on productions, we are left in a precarious position. We desperately need the support of the public to get us back on our feet – with doors open, a full programme of work for young and old in the community and a raised curtain. Donations to our Curtain Up appeal will help to revive the great work for which we are known and cherished.”

Adam Penford, Artistic Director at Nottingham Playhouse, added: “For 70 years, Nottingham Playhouse has entertained and sparked creativity in our city and the East Midlands. Not only do we produce celebrated plays and great nights out, we do a huge amount of work in the community with people of all ages and backgrounds. We also offer employment to a large staff team and many more freelance theatre-makers, who have been hit hardest by this crisis. For all these groups, we need to continue to thrive into the future.”

We’ve recently “gone digital”, in order to keep supporting communities in the East Midlands. This has included releasing video tutorials for choir members, dancers and aspiring painters. We’ve also shared videos of previous productions, and are encouraging people to catch-up on our podcast, Nottingham Playcast.

Nottingham Playhouse has welcomed thousands of theatre goers across six decades, with stars such as Sir Ian McKellen, Imelda Staunton, Sandi Toksvig and Mark Gatiss gracing its stage. Our productions have also toured nationally and internationally, and we were named Regional Theatre of the Year 2019 by The Stage Awards. The Playhouse also runs wide-reaching participation schemes, youth theatres and its Amplify programme – which seeks to inspire and support theatre-makers from the East Midlands.

* The Shine appeal aims to create and sustain free theatre-making opportunities and bursaries for young people across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. 50:50 is a scheme that donates tickets to charities and community groups. Just £10 can fund one ticket for someone who would not have the means to visit the theatre otherwise.