Harrogate Theatre's emergency appeal as it fights to survive coronavirus lockdown

Much-loved Harrogate Theatre has launched an unprecedented emergency appeal as it asks the town to help it overcome the coronavirus lockdown.
Harrogate Theatre has launched an unprecedented emergency appeal as it asks the town to help it survive the coronavirus lockdown.Harrogate Theatre has launched an unprecedented emergency appeal as it asks the town to help it survive the coronavirus lockdown.
Harrogate Theatre has launched an unprecedented emergency appeal as it asks the town to help it survive the coronavirus lockdown.

First opened in 1900, the hugely popular theatre, which prospers through its own hard work rather than receiving official public funding, has issued an urgent statement today after coronavirus precautions meant it took the decision to close the Grade II listed theatre until at least March 31 and postpone its programme of shows temporarily while the crisis lasts.

A spokesperson for Harrogate Theatre said: "We urge you to continue supporting other cultural activity and spending with our other local businesses as much as you can.

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"We absolutely adore this wonderful town and by pulling together we believe we can face anything.

"Thank you and take care. We hope to see you very soon."

Harrogate Theatre statement

"As a charity with very little grant funding we rely on a steady cash flow from year-round shows and we work to excruciatingly tight-knit budgets.

As we now face unavoidable cancellations, we also face a very uncertain future.

"We know we are by far from the only organisation to work this way, and to now fear the worst - particularly within the arts.

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For 120 years we have brought significant money into our local economy and we have brought sustained joy to this town - to our communities.

We’ve also brought huge names to Harrogate and we’ve drawn visitors from far and wide.

"We’ve inspired thousands of local young people, and we’ve helped hundreds of brilliant creative people to realise their own ambition in making and mobilising new work.

"And now we’re levelling with you – we have never needed your support more than we do today.

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"None of us are entirely sure what the next few weeks and months hold, but the one thing we know is that when all the dust has settled, we want to still be here to bring that joy that everyone will so desperately need.

"Please – if you are able – consider supporting us today. We want to keep bringing the joy for generations to come."

Here are five ways you can help:

1. Make a donation

You can do this online via this website, or call 01423 502116 between 10am – 5pm Mon-Fri

2. Buy tickets to our autumn/ winter shows

You can see what’s coming up and book online

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We have our third season of HT Rep in September, the 12th annual Harrogate Comedy Festival in October, and our award-winning pantomime is Cinderella for 2020.

3. Join our membership scheme

From just £30 you can join our exclusive pre-sales club and enjoy a range of other lovely perks.

4. If we have to cancel or rearrange shows, please consider donating your ticket fee (or part of it)

The notification email you will receive will make it easy for you to choose which option you would like to take.

5 Help us spread the word about our emergency appeal

Please support Harrogate Theatre

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We urge you to continue supporting other cultural activity and spending with our other local businesses as much as you can.

We absolutely adore this wonderful town and by pulling together we believe we can face anything.

Thank you and take care. We hope to see you very soon.