Theatre Royal Wakefield joins national #SaveOurTheatres crowdfunding campaign

Theatre Royal Wakefield has joined a national crowdfunding campaign to raise essential funds in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.

The theatre, on Drury Lane, closed to the public at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March, and has confirmed it will not reopen for live performances until Spring 2021.

The long-term closure means the theatre is facing a severe lack of funding, and staff have now turned to the public to seek support.

A spokesperson for the theatre said: "Theatre Royal Wakefield was a thriving and successful theatre before the Coronavirus crisis, bringing joy and fulfilment to Wakefield audiences and offering transformative participatory projects to young people and the wider community.

"The national crowdfunding campaign #saveourtheatres has been started by the Theatres Trust, an organisation that champions the future of live performance, by protecting and supporting theatre buildings which meet the needs of their communities.

The city centre theatre is crowdfunding to ensure that they can ‘Turn the Lights Back On’. The doors closed in March and remain closed for live performances.

"Whilst the organisation has been able to offer support to some individuals that they work with, the vast majority of activity has ceased and they have not been able to generate the income that allows them to operate and deliver their life changing activities."

The theatre are now urging people to donate to their campaign, which will help ensure that live theatre returns to the city, support its work with young people and allow the return of Conversation Cafe, a drop-in support session for refugees and asylum seekers.

Visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/theatreroyalwakefield to find out more or donate today.