Leeds Heritage Theatres launches ‘Keep a seat warm this Christmas’ campaign in fight for long term survival

To add to a year that has already seen the arts and culture sector suffer hugely as a result of the pandemic, it will be the first time in the histories of Leeds Grand Theatre, City Varieties Music Hall and Hyde Park Picture House, that the three buildings will remain closed for Christmas due to the ongoing concerns over COVID-19 and the need to protect audiences, employees and performers.

Leeds Heritage Theatres, the umbrella organisation for the three venues, is asking patrons to consider supporting them at what would have been their busiest period with a new campaign.

Ordinarily at Christmas, The Grand would be hosting a major West End production, whilst the City Varieties would be home to one of only two self-produced shows, and main revenue driver, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto. And whilst Hyde Park Picture House is closed for planned restoration work (on hold since April 2020), the cinema would usually screen a variety of Christmas favourites, including the iconic It’s a Wonderful Life.

By donating to their ‘Keep a seat warm this Christmas’ campaign, purchasing tickets to future shows or buying memberships, gift vouchers and merchandise, the company is hoping that money raised will help support their long-term survival.

It comes as the CEO, Chris Blythe reveals that had Leeds Heritage Theatres not been successful in obtaining several grants such as £1.5m from the government and Art Council England’s Culture Recovery Fund, the company purse would have run out completely on November 2.

“Whilst we had been making tentative steps to recovery by reopening the doors to The Varieties with a screening programme curated by Hyde Park, the truth of the matter is, income generated from screenings does not impact our bottom line in the same way live performance does.

“The grant is a lifeline for which we will be forever grateful. The money has allowed us to cover our fixed costs until March and re-inflate our reserves to zero – reserves which we had planned to invest back into our three heritage buildings. However, no matter how generous, the money will still not see us out of the woods completely, hence our need to ask our audiences for support - the irony of which, when everyone is suffering financially, is not lost on me.

“I know it is a huge ask, especially at Christmas, but I also know how much our three venues mean to the people of Leeds and wider region. The support and generosity of our patrons this year has been overwhelming – both financially and emotionally. It is abundantly clear that arts and culture are needed now more than ever to help boost people’s mental health and build community through shared experience as we all try to find some escapism from our day-to-day and ongoing concerns for our futures.”

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