New Theatre Royal Portsmouth hopes to secure future through Crowdfunder campaign
THE New Theatre Royal has successfully raised over £10,000 in emergency funds to help survive the Covid pandemic.
Since the theatre’s closure at the onset of lockdown in March it has been forced to cancel or postpone over 40 shows – putting the iconic venue’s future in doubt.
However, the money raised through a Crowdfunding campaign will help to secure the theatre’s immediate future, enabling the maintenance of the grade II listed building and the retention of dedicated staff.
A spokesman for the theatre said: ‘We’ve been so excited by the response to our appeal and would like to thank everyone who has donated and shared the campaign so far. We feel confident that our audiences, local community and businesses will rally to support us through this very difficult time.’
The campaign has been backed by the city’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Rob Wood.
Cllr Wood said: ‘New Theatre Royal is a historic gem that plays a vital role in our city - it’s loss is unimaginable.
‘We are going to need theatres more than ever as we recover from Covid-19 to inspire and reconnect us and we must act now to keep the doors of the New Theatre Royal open for everyone.’
The theatre has been supported by local artists and businesses who have donated a range of rewards in exchange for donations.
The campaign has been organised in conjunction with the Theatres Trust Save Our Theatres campaign which has been backed by actor Jude Law and has raised almost a million pounds across 50 projects.
Jude said: ‘As a Theatres Trust Ambassador, I’m delighted to support the Save Our Theatres campaign, which is raising valuable funds to support theatres throughout the country. Please do give whatever you can to support this campaign.’
The theatre’s Crowdfunder campaign is halfway towards its target of £20,000 which organisers hope to achieve by October 16.