Crucial importance of our amateur theatres
THERE is no question of the importance of amateur theatre within our local communities.
Performing groups produce over 3,500 productions annually which are watched by more than two million people every year. These performances include pantomimes, plays and musicals.
We are proud to be part of the National Operatic & Dramatic Association (NODA). The combined membership of this organisation is over 100,000, ranging in age from eight to 80.
NODA’S members groups generate between £150m and £200m in ticket sales with at least the same being produced in additional spending including food, drink, travel and accommodation.
The vast majority of this supports a wide range of businesses, including theatres, village and community halls, theatrical suppliers, restaurants, musicians, bars and hotels.
Many groups also raise significant sums for local and national charities with post-show collections and specific fundraising events.
Erewash Musical Society, in normal times, produces four productions each year at the Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton and has done for many years. Just prior to the lockdown and subsequent closure of the theatre, we produced two high- quality productions, Godspell and, for the first time, a pantomime, Snow White. We had just begun tentative rehearsals for our next shows, rigorously implementing a Covid-19-secure environment, in line with Government guidance and rules. This was threatened when Tier Two was introduced in our area and the lockdown will delay things even further. Our members are left hoping that these productions will go ahead at some time in 2021. The social side of our group is as important as the production side; We should not underestimate the value that these groups bring to the wellbeing of the local area.
Amateur theatre also plays a significant part in the cultural life of the nation; helping with both physical and mental health, not just for the performers and all taking part, but for audiences too. Youngsters involved grow in confidence and self-esteem. Amateur theatre,
in many smaller communities, is very often the hub of cultural activity as well as helping to bring communities together. Also worthy of note, is the fact that many professional performers and stars of TV originally trod the boards in amateur theatre, thus shaping them for more lucrative exploits ahead.
Amateur theatre also supports professional theatre. The venues amateur groups are hiring, mostly, are professional theatres and with that comes the employment of staff, both front of house and technical, as well as the hiring of freelancers, i.e. choreographers, directors, musical directors, make-up artists etc.
At the present time, virtually all amateur theatre productions have been cancelled across the country, and given the lead time for productions, it is unlikely there will be many, if any, productions before the end of 2021. This is a significant loss to the cultural and economic life of the UK. Many groups have been making use of technology to keep in touch, rehearse or put together videos to entertain their audiences via social media channels.
They are eager to maintain their involvement and to resume a normal programme as far as they can.
My plea to you today, is to please give the amateur theatre sector the same consideration as that of the professional theatres. The professional theatres are currently being highlighted in the press, but there is no mention of the amateur sector. A sector which does so very much for the wellbeing and the economy of our country.
David Allen President Erewash Musical Society Ilkeston