Why the future of Theatre in Worthing is your business.
You may have heard about the danger to the four major theatre and performance spaces in Worthing – The Connaught Theatre/Ritz, The Pavilion Theatre and the Assembly Hall.
Like many other towns, Worthing is experiencing difficulties funding these and a group has been set up to create a Public Trust via a Company Limited by Guarantee to take the theatres into community ownership. Worthing Theatres Trust is led by a small group of Trustees (Jon Woodley, John Bunker, Chris Coopey, Helen Scott and Roy Stannard) with a passion for theatre and a range of skills for the task.
Worthing has a rich theatrical tradition, and is proud of its portfolio of working performance spaces. Many professional actors, directors and administrators have begun their careers in Worthing or have played an important part in the theatres’ history. The UK’s pre-eminent working playwright and director, Sir Alan Ayckbourn CBE has agreed to become our Patron and we have already drawn up a working business model for how the venues can be turned around into profit.
We have also entered our Expression of Interest in taking over the operation of the venues to Worthing Borougn Council. We have mounted a high profile publicity campaign and have already attracted generous support from the public.
It’s now the turn of business to think about how it can get involved.
Act Now for the Future
In 2006 research by Worthing Theatres Group and Sussex Arts Marketing found that:
- A total of £172,095 was spent by 6733 respondents.
- Average expenditure was £25.56 per audience member.
- 68% of audience expenditure takes place outside the theatres.
- Survey respondents spent a total of £130, 351 outside the theatre on food and drink, shopping, travel, childcare and other items.
So if the theatres were forced to close we wouldn’t just the feel the loss culturally – it would impact on our pockets too. It’s also about the legacy that we will leave our children.
As business people we need to care about the impact the loss of our theatres will have on the Town – economically, socially and culturally. Of course monetary assistance will be welcome, but if you can’t do this but would like to host an event, send information out to your customers and friends, put publicity items (posters, leaflets, car stickers) in your reception or on display, then please contact Roy Stannard on 07803 269154 or marketing@worthingtheatrestrust.co.uk.
We need your expertise, your acumen, your passion for the Town. This can be expressed via sponsorship, advertising, printing, room space, car parking or exposure generally.
Worthing needs its theatres. The theatres, in order to survive, need you. It’s time for you to take centre stage.
In the meantime..
Sign up as a Friend of the Trust
Join our Facebook page: Worthing Theatres Trust
Join us on Twitter: @WTheatresT