You’ve probably heard about Upstairs at The Western, the community theatre based above The Western pub near Bede Park. Now, due to a change in circumstance, the theatre is looking for new owners. If you’ve got a passion for theatre and the arts, it could be you!
The website describes the space as “a fully equipped black box theatre space, programming fringe drama, poetry, comedy, music and film in its 44 seat auditorium and on its 4m x 4m stage.” Currently the venue hosts around 150 shows a year, with their season running from September to June.
Everything from comedy to spoken word to dance and amateur productions have graced the stage and current owners are seeking equally passionate individuals to carry on their work.
Shows are either co-produced with local programming partners, or from artists/companies on national tours. The theatre also supports up-and-coming artists/companies and helps get them to stage for the first time. Current turnover is in the region of £20,000 per year and some two thirds of this goes to the performing artists/companies.
The theatre is currently owned by a not-for-profit community interested company (CIC) and operated by a team of volunteers. Due to changes in their personal circumstances, the current directors of the company wish to pass the ownership of the theatre on as a going concern. This could be by a new group of directors taking on the existing CIC, by transfer to another company, through merger with another company or through takeover by another company.
For anyone looking to find out more about the opportunity the theatre owners will be holding 2 information days on Thursday 24th and Wednesday 30th January at 7.30pm. Interested parties can also request more information by contacting [email protected].
Closing date for applications: 31 March 2019