Iconic Cheltenham theatre at risk of closure
The Cheltenham Playhouse has announced it needs more funding to survive.
The Cheltenham Playhouse theatre has announced that it may have to close its doors due to financial losses in recent years.
Newly appointed Trustees for the registered charity have been fighting to save the theatre since formation of the new Board in November.
A fundraising push at the start of the year has seen the public come forward with £30k of donations but this is currently not enough to save the historic building and protect the jobs it creates.
“We are trying to rebuild after a number of tough trading years,” explains Neil Burge, acting Chair for the Board of Trustees.
“The finances we inherited were in a desperate state.
“The huge gestures of financial support we have received from our community since our publicity earlier in the year have kept us going this far and allowed us to rebuild a level of financial reserve; we know that we would have had to encounter this decision a lot earlier without it.
“However, we are reaching a point where we simply don’t have the depth of funds to keep the doors open, particularly looking after an old building which is expensive to run and maintain.
“Our financial forecasting leaves us hopeful that we have a long-term future; the societies and groups using the theatre are regular and loyal and we can see a scenario where, with robust management going forward, we survive.
“What we can’t get over is the short-term cash flow problem and this is leaving us in a critical situation.
“We have so much to look forward to in this beautiful building.
“We have a schedule of amazing theatre and comedy and our own Fringe Festival next week.
“Not to mention our pantomime plans for 2025. But unless we receive some urgent help and funds, there is a high risk that the theatre won’t continue.”
The theatre is celebrating its 80th year in 2025 and had hoped to secure funding from external sources to see it through the next 80 years.
The Playhouse urges people to donate to its JustGiving 80 for 80 campaign: £80k for 80 years