Michelle Collins has urged the public to support a “fantastic” initiative to support theatres amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The It’s Curtains for Theatre Without You campaign will see the WhatsOnStage theatre publication offer a comprehensive guide of all the live and virtual performances which are being put on by venues across the country. This newspaper will also be working with them to bring you the best of what’s on here in the Midlands in 2021.
We have some of the world’s most renowned theatres on our doorstep including the RSC in Stratford which attracts visitors from all over the globe and The Rep in Birmingham which it is the longest-established building-based theatre company in Britain.
But our region is also home to many smaller and much loved theatres including the Palace Theatre in Redditch, The Other Place in Stratford, the Loft Theatre in Leamington, the Swan Theatre in Worcester, the Norbury Theatre in Droitwich, the Benn Hall in Rugby, the Belgrade and Albany theatres in Coventry, Warwick Arts Centre, the Number 8 Arts Centre in Pershore, The Core Theatre in Solihull, the Evesham Arts Centre and the wonderful Malvern Theatres to name just a few.
We have so many incredible theatres in our vicinity who have all been suffering through the pandemic – many struggling to stay afloat. Sadly we have already lost Artrix in Bromsgrove through Coronavirus earlier this year.
Michelle Collins said it is important that people help the industry to get through the pandemic.
“The whole point about theatre is it is a wonderful shared experience,” said Michelle.
“It’s good for our wellbeing, it is educational and so I think what’s important about a lot of these theatres is it is not just the buildings, it provides a lot of other things for the community as well.
“Particularly theatres outside London are really important, they are like the hub of the community.”
The actress, who has previously starred in EastEnders, added: “Life without theatre would be joyless and very boring.”
Ms Collins said the theatre industry is in a “bad state” and deserves to be given more support.
“Theatre brings a lot of money into the economy and I think we are renowned around the world and really respected for our theatre,” she said.
Sita McIntosh, chief operating officer of WhatsOnStage, said: “As the green shoots of theatre start to emerge, at WhatsOnStage we couldn’t be more excited.
“We know that our readers share that joy and we wanted to do our bit to encourage audiences back into auditoriums, inspire them to enjoy shows again and most importantly reassure them that they are safe doing so.
“We have compiled a comprehensive guide to theatre now open or opening soon and we want to convey the message that unless audiences come out and support those shows it really is curtains for theatre.”
Sean Foley, artistic director of the Birmingham Rep adds: “It really would be curtains for our theatres without your support. We can’t wait to share our first ever live streamed performance on 18 December with The Nutcracker at The REP – do join us and help support the very best of Birmingham.”
How you can help:
The aim is to celebrate both spaces that are able to open as well as those that, for a plethora of reasons such as local restrictions or financial feasibility, remain closed.
Post your quick tweets/ videos on Instagram or Twitter answering:
– What does theatre mean to you?
– What is the future of theatre for you?
And then give a quick shout-out to the Curtains for Theatre Without You campaign using the hashtag #CurtainsWithoutYou.
For further information please email: [email protected]
