“Save a Seat” campaign raises thousands to help local creative industry

This past festive season, audiences were asked to Save A Seat as part of a new fundraising campaign by Birmingham Repertory Theatre (The REP) and Birmingham Royal Ballet. Today, both Birmingham cultural institutions are pleased to announce that over £15,000 in donations were raised thanks to audiences’ generosity and the incredible support of match-funders, global law firm DLA Piper in Birmingham.  

The fundraising initiative aimed to help cover the lost income from some of the seats left empty during the run of The Nutcracker at The REP, after performances in front of socially-distanced live audiences were cancelled due to local tier restrictions.

Audiences now have the opportunity to watch another extraordinary cast of Birmingham Royal Ballet dancers in The Nutcracker at The REP streaming online until 21 February. Tickets cost just £10 per household and can be purchased at brb.org.uk. All proceeds will be split equally between The REP and Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Sean Foley, Artistic Director at The REP, said: “2020 proved to be an unprecedented and tough year for theatres across the country, including here at The REP. However, in these challenging times, we have been overwhelmed by the incredible support of audiences and partners.”

As the oldest building-based theatre company in the UK, The REP has a remarkable pioneering history and has been at the forefront of theatre in this country for over 100 years. It is a registered charity (number 223660), their mission being to create artistically ambitious popular theatre for, by and with the people of Birmingham and the wider world.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many arts organisations being unable to open and perform in front of audiences for over seven months. Since last March, over 80% of The REP’s income has come to an abrupt halt. However, the talented workforce has committed to finding inventive new ways of engaging a diverse spectrum of people and communities.   

Carlos Acosta, Director at Birmingham Royal Ballet, added; “Birmingham Royal Ballet are so grateful for the incredible support from The Nutcracker at The REP audiences and to DLA Piper LLP for match funding the Save a Seat campaign. 2020 was a difficult year for Birmingham Royal Ballet and the arts industry, but the unwavering support from audiences has been a constant source of encouragement for the Company.”

Sean Foley added, “We very much look forward to a time in the not-too-distant future when we can welcome all of those who have helped us over the course of the year back to The REP.”