Kirk Theatre in Pickering launch fundraising drive (From Gazette & Herald)

Kirk Theatre in Pickering launch fundraising drive

9:39am Wednesday 30th May 2012 in News By Karen Darley

VOLUNTEERS at the Kirk Theatre in Pickering have launched a fund-raising drive to help preserve the venue as a community facility.

Over recent months the building has undergone a number of repairs to the roof and kitchen area.

Work now needs to be done on the theatre’s lighting system to bring it up to current standards.

Linda Tester, the theatre’s publicity officer, said they had suffered a ‘catalogue of disasters’.

“Last year we discovered the roof was in serious trouble and had to be fixed which cost several thousand pounds,” she said.

“A pipe then ruptured under the kitchen so that had to be ripped out and replaced and now we need to address the lighting system which will be another huge expense for us.”

Linda said the theatre generates its own income through productions – the latest was the popular musical Annie – but the additional repairs are a drain on their funds.

“We are a voluntary organisation completely run by volunteers so we are also looking to save money where we can,” she said.

“We have forgone the luxury of a cleaner, with members now doing the work, as well as much of the other work as they can.”

Linda said that they had a number of fundraising concerts planned and were also considering holding a comedy night.

“We would welcome ideas from local people for fundraising and would love to hear from local businesses who would be interested in sponsoring the theatre in any way, such as a seat, for example,” she said.

“It would be fantastic if there was someone out there whose joy in life was fundraising and could help us out as well.

“We all have our current roles in the theatre and many work full-time, so to find someone to co-ordinate fundraising would be great.”

Theatre manager Luke Arnold said considerable work has been done to the theatre but there was always more to do.

“We have modernised the front of house and refurbished the sweet shop but we have had the theatre for 30 years now and the building is starting to show its age,” he said.

“We have many people who do so much behind the scenes, including many families whose children have joined the youth theatre and their mums and dads have got involved from there.”

Luke added that the Kirk Theatre is the only traditional theatre in Ryedale.

“It needs to be used by the people of Pickering to keep it going,” he said.

“Since I took over as manager, there are various things I would like to do, including pushing the theatre for everyone to use from art exhibitions to operas and also have something taking place every week during the summer.

“There is a tremendous community spirit here and always a really good atmosphere and anyone who would like to join us would be really welcome.”

Anyone who is interested in getting involved with the Kirk Theatre or helping with sponsorship should phone Linda Tester on 07957 246071 or the theatre on 01751 474833.

There will be a variety concert at the Kirk Theatre on Saturday at 7.30pm to raise funds.

The show will feature local performers and aims to offer an evening of entertainment to raise funds for the theatre, as well as kicking off the Jubilee weekend in the town.

Tickets are £6 and available from Television House, Market Place, Pickering, or on the door.