Right lads I want to talk about regional winter seasons in theatre and what they mean

Every penny of profit from panto goes straight back into the pot and is spent on all of the incredible things TCH does through the year. The engagement and outreach at Customs is second to none https://twitter.com/thecustomshouse/status/1290605204824625152

30+ creatives have lost this job, who rely on income in the festive period just like any other worker in any other field. God knows how many extra box office, FOH, cleaners, bar staff, events staff etc

Now take that team and x it by all the venues cancelling their winter season.

The number is huge.
2 million people work in the creative sector. Where does the government expect these people to go when by April 2021 all the money is gone. The majority of venues in the country rely on their winter season to fund a big chunk of the rest of their year.

And when I say fund I mean

Youth theatre
Old age outreach
LGBTQ+ safe spaces
Artist development
Theatre in Education
Writers Studios
Work experience
Apprenticeships
Free/cheap tickets
Transport funding
ACCESS

It’s not just about casting a 2 hander in March or whatever.

I’m devastated Christmas is cancelled, TCH is my home but for workers in the industry without support this could be the end.
I’m thinking of all the venues, contracted workers and freelancers.

I’m also thinking of the bairns who get the funded tickets to come with their schools/carers who for the first time feel the magic when the lights go down and the drum roll starts. I see you littlins from the box and I know that feeling, we’ll reach you again soon