Blackpool Grand Plans For Recovery And Asks You To #PlayYourPart
Blackpool Grand Theatre closed its doors at the Government’s behest on Tuesday 17 March 2020 approaching over 100 days of closure, one of the longest in its incredible history. While other businesses slowly open it will be some time before Blackpool’s Grand can join that group, it calls on the local community to #PlayYourPart in helping the theatre recover.
With 93% of the theatre’s income coming from ticket sales every day, the success of its latest recovery fund is vital to its survival for the town. With a skeleton staff, the theatre is working through hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of refunds, credits and limited transfers to new dates. The highly anticipated summer show this August, Dirty Dancing The Musical, has had to be postponed until summer 2021.
Anthony Stone, Blackpool Grand Theatre Chair said;
“With the closure of hundreds of theatres across the UK, including The Grand, the arts and entertainment industry, along with many, many other businesses across the country, faces an uncertain future. At this time, I believe, it is important to protect the theatre and its workforce by taking every opportunity to slow down the devastating financial impact of closure so we can be in as good a shape as possible when we come to re-open.
“Arts Council England and Blackpool Council continue to support the theatre and we hope for news soon on further funding support, for which we thank them sincerely. However, The Grand earns 93% of its income through ticket sales which, as you can imagine, are now depleting our reverses. If you are able to, or would like to, make a donation to help the theatre survive, we would be extraordinarily grateful.”
Support Blackpool Grand Theatre.
The venue is asking locals to help support the theatre in various ways;
1. Donate at www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/recoveryfund
2. Purchase an 1894 Club membership
3. Purchase tickets for our Autumn Winter 20/21 season
4. Use Amazon Smile, or Name A Seat
Planning for the future, Ruth Eastwood Grand Theatre Chief Executive said:
“Firstly, I want to thank the thousands of customers for their patience and understanding at this challenging time. Our small team (just five of us) has been moving, refunding and crediting customers over the past few weeks, as quickly as humanly possible, no mean-feat I must tell you.
“At the same time, I’ve been moving many of the shows we had planned for Spring/Summer into Autumn/Winter 20/21. The programme is packed with a wide selection from music and drama, to comedy and dance.
“I’m delighted to have only had to cancel a few shows. Most have moved to new dates, so you can still enjoy much of the great line up planned for earlier in the year. I’m very much looking forward to welcoming you all back from September.”
As a charity, public support is crucial to this iconic heritage theatre’s survival. The Theatre is asking locals to #PlayYourPart, the impact as for many is not just now, but is predicted to last up to 2 years. The venue is doing all they can do is support their artists, staff, volunteers, partners and community at this unprecedented time. They look forward to re-opening their doors and welcoming you back in the very near future.
Please #PlayYourPart!
To discover What’s Coming in the upcoming months at Blackpool Grand Theatre view it here.
