A plea to you in these straightened times.
As of course, with many other things, our theatre is finding it increasingly difficult to operate both practically and financially. To help us with this, Alan Ayckbourn has written his 88th play Welcome to the Family to be produced and have its world premiere at the Old Laundry Theatre in May 2023.
Our productions are almost entirely financed through ticket sales and small amounts of sponsorship. This new play, Welcome to the Family has costs that include:
- Wages for five actors for six weeks.
- Accommodation for six weeks.
- Fees for the Director, Set & Costume Designer, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Stage Management & Technical staff, Box Office and Front of House staff, and Royalties.
The cost of this production amounts to almost £60,000 to break even. We are creating a fund to finance this and our main sponsor, Lakes Story Ltd (The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction) will initiate the fund by donating £10,000. Anything you could do to help would be amazing!
Ways you can help…
- Either buy tickets in advance, for yourself or as a gift to someone that you think would enjoy the experience.
- Book a combined show & dinner ticket
- Make a donation (small or large). Because Bowness Festival Theatre Ltd (The Old Laundry Theatre) is a charity we can
claim gift aid on your donation. The easiest way to do this is via this online link. - To make it a memorable evening, dine at our bistro with its delicious new menu to be re-launched in 2023.
- Join our Friends of the Old Laundry F.O.O.L.S. and gain access to cheaper tickets and theatre outings.
Accommodation
Accommodation is becoming more and more difficult to find for actors – much of the accommodation that we used in the past is used as holiday lets. In 2022 some Friends of the Old Laundry kindly put actors up at a lesser price than was being asked at commercially let properties – if anyone can help us with this problem please get in touch – it’s a really serious issue countrywide.
We acknowledge that in these difficult financial times, theatre-going may not be top of your list of priorities – but we are looking to the long term and hope you can support live theatre in your community – we’ve been here now for 31 years – we intend to keep on going!
Roger Glossop and Charlotte Scott
Directors and Trustees