Devastation caused by Storm Arwen to the fabric of a Northumberland theatre company’s building has led to the cancellation of a town’s pantomime and the need for urgent building repairs.
The Northumberland Theatre Company (NTC) based in Amble’s Dovecote Centre are a self-funding professional small-scale touring theatre company and like every other entertainment business they have been severely financially impacted by COVID restrictions. Now however, another blow has befallen the company thanks to Storm Arwen.
Chairman Bryan Ellis explains: “The storm has caused extensive structural damage to the building which will leave us without a permanent home for up to six months. The safety of our staff and customers is our main priority which is why we have closed the venue for the time being.”
The closure also means that the eagerly awaited Amble Pantomime “Cinderella” has been cancelled with refunds issued to everyone who bought a ticket.
Although some of the cost of structural repairs can be reclaimed on insurance, there are certain things that weren’t covered which need to be replaced. As a registered charity and an arts organisation that isn’t fully funded, NTC must continually fight to get funding that allows them to provide shows for their audiences. To help with the situation, a JustGiving page has been set up with a target of £5000.
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ntc-dovecote-repairs
But it’s not all bad news as the company’s touring show “Alice in Wonderland” can be seen at venues across the region until 15thJanuary. Tickets are available from www.northumberlandtheatre.co.uk
17 Dec – Newbiggin Maritime Centre – 6.30pm
18 Dec – Chatton Village Hall – 6pm
19 Dec – Hawthorn Community Centre – 5pm
21 Dec – Cockburnspath Village Hall – 6.30pm
22 Dec – Duns Volunteer Hall – 6pm
23 Dec – Capheaton Village Hall – 6.30pm
24 Dec – Capheaton Village Hall – 1pm
29 Dec – Sutton Under Whitestonecliffe Village Hall – 7.30pm
30 Dec – Hindmarsh Hall, Alnmouth – 3pm
2 Jan – Soulby Village Hall – 3pm
7 Jan – Whitburn Parish Church Hall – 7pm
8 Jan – Newton le Willows Village Hall – 4.30pm
9 Jan – Town Hall Crypt, Middlesbrough – 3pm
12 Jan – Etal Village Hall – 6pm
13 Jan – Corsensenside Parish Hall – 6.30pm
15 Jan – Dinnington Village Hall – 7pm
Ends
Photo: Bryan at the Dovecote Centre (Photo Highlights PR)
Media and interviews – Keith@highlightspr.co.uk 07814 397951