John Challis launches appeal to save Rose Theatre in Kidderminster

After a year without any income due to coronavirus restrictions, the town’s theatre is in desperate need of support and a fundraising appeal has been set up to raise £15,000 to help it bounce back.

Launching the campaign this week, the Rose’s patron, actor John Challis, best known for his portrayal of Boycie in Only Fools and Horses, said: “These are troubled times for the theatre community and, like many, the Rose has had no income for a year and desperately needs your support to get back on its feet.

John Challis has made an impassioned appeal to the people of Wyre Forest to help save Kidderminster's Rose Theatre

“There is light at the end of the tunnel. There are plans to open as soon as its safe to do so and with your help it’s possible.”

The Nonentities Society, which owns the theatre, still needs to pay around £1,000 each month to keep the building maintained and to pay bills. And after having to pay out to repair a flooded foyer in 2020 and a roof leak into the green room this year, the theatre is struggling financially.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s recent announcement on the government’s roadmap out of lockdown has given hope that the Rose will be able to reopen this summer, but owners fear that restricted audience numbers mean they will still struggle to break even.

Dangerous Obsession at the Rose Theatre was voted Best Play of the Season by critics from Behind the Arras

Paid theatre employees have already been made redundant and youth theatre staff are now working on a voluntary basis, but with each production costing up to £2,000 to stage, the Rose needs to generate funds to ensure the show can go on.

Nonentities chairman Bob Graham said: “We need the support of our members, our audiences – anyone who has ever seen a show or been involved in a show – to help us in our appeal.”

Becca Williams, teacher at Kidderminster Rose Young People’s Theatre group (KRYPT), added: “The young people have done so well keeping together as a group during the pandemic.

"We’ve done lots of work via zoom and posted on Youtube, but we really want to plan for when we can meet again at the Rose.

"The other youth leaders and I have been working voluntarily this term so we can keep the group going. We would be really grateful for your support.”

The Nonentities Society, which runs the Rose, is looking forward to reopening after lockdown, but audience numbers are likely to be restricted

Money raised through the crowdfunding campaign will go towards paying theatre bills, staging plays, helping the theatre to reopen, making repairs to the building and maintaining the grounds, and supporting the work of KRYPT.

To donate, visit crowdfunder.co.uk/rosetheatre.