The New Theatre Royal in Lincoln has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for its restoration.
The venue, which has been entertaining Yellowbellies and visitors for over 125 years, needs to raise over £50,000 to make restoration and improvement works to the interior and exterior of the building.
As previously reported, Mike Hayes-Cowley and his wife, Natalie, became the new directors of the New Lincoln Theatre company who took over the venue on Clasketgate in 2016.
The theatre doesn’t receive any external funding as local council funding was pulled years prior to the current owners joining the venue.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for anyone wishing to donate to the theatre as currently the ticket sales cover less than half of the running costs.
Although ticket sales have shot up by 83% since the new owners took over, only 17% of each ticket sold is retained by the theatre which covers just £40 of essential running costs.
Photo: Sarah Barker for The Lincolnite
Restoration works
Works are needed on the stage, seating area and box office and bathrooms at the Grade II listed building, as well as improving facilities for disabled customers.
The overall target is £50,000, but the GoFundMe page has an initial target of £20,000 which is the amount needed to improve accessibility for disabled customers.
Business Development Manager at New Theatre Royal Lincoln, Emma Olivier-Townrow, said: “Being the beautiful and historic building it is, the theatre needs continuous, sympathetic restoration works to preserve it for future generations.
“We are a busy and thriving venue but the money we do take covers less than half of our running costs, so we need as much help as we can to keep the building as it should be.
“We have set an ambitious target of £50,000 as this is the amount needed to cover the most important works – not just restoration jobs – but also improvements that will make the theatre more accessible for all.
“The theatre attracts all ages and corporate groups alike but we are always working hard to attract more people into this great venue. The more people that come, the more we can protect the building. We very much appreciate whatever people can give towards our restoration fund.”
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!
Exciting news for MyLocal app users and The Lincolnite readers! Our latest update is now available to download from your app store and comes packed with the best local news experience you can enjoy.
Revamped News Feed: Enjoy faster loading times and smoother scrolling that make catching up on local news a breeze.
New Play Video Feed: Dive into a dynamic video feed that brings local stories to life in a whole new way.
Enhanced In-App Browser: Access external links quickly and efficiently, right from the app, without any distractions.
Update your MyLocal app from your app store (version 2.73) now and start enjoying these great new features today!
P.S.: Start your MyLocal membership today to support MyLocal and The Lincolnite deliver you a better local news experience and honest journalism from across Lincolnshire.
P.P.S.: We have some huge things in the pipeline, stay tuned!