I have just returned from the Playhouse and managed to catch the final few moments of Treasure Island. I spoke with Karen Hebden & Stephen Edwards to find out the best form of practical support we can give to the theatre to ensure it remains open after January.

What the theatre needs right now is cash. The best way of helping is to buy a ticket to see Treasure Island. In fact buy lots of tickets. If you can’t go and see the show yourself (which would be a shame as it is very good) then buy them for your friends, family or work colleagues. If you have no friends then buy a ticket anyway; over 140 tickets for tonight’s show (including mine) were bought by people who knew they couldn’t get to see the performance but wanted to help. This included actors from theatres all over the country (the cast of ‘Lord of the Rings’ in the West End for example) who wanted to show their support. If you buy a ticket that you know you can’t use, tell the box office – and they will try and sell it again. Alternatively, the Playhouse will try and allocate your unused ticket to a charity, community group or school if you prefer.

Donate

You can, of course, make a donation to the Playhouse Fund. Donations from 50p to £10,000 have been received and every little helps.

Petition

Please also sign the petition. (See www.derbyplayhouse.co.uk)

Write to your MP/Councillor

Write to your MP and councillors telling them how important it is to you to keep Derby Playhouse open. If you don’t live in the city write to your borough council or the County council. It is high time that other parts of Derbyshire helped to support the theatre.

Fund Raiser

There are other ways you can help. Organise fund raising events. Do something to raise the profile of the campaign.

Volunteer

The Playhouse is currently running on a skeleton staff. It will need volunteers to help with things like leafleting, stuffing envelopes etc. I’m not sure how we will co-ordinate that yet so watch this space.

Keep in Touch

It is vital that we keep the momentum of the campaign going. The Playhouse is far from secure. Every one of us can contribute is some way to ensure the Playhouse is producing excellent, professional theatre for many years to come.

Kit Lane, 2007.

Kit Lane is a Lecturer of Media Technology, University of Derby and formerly Production Manager 1997-2004. Head of Production 2004-2006 Derby Playhouse