Theatre-goers are being urged to think twice about claiming refunds to shows cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Nottingham Playhouse is a charity which relies heavily on ticket sales to stay open and bosses believe its future may be jeopardy if it loses what amounts to 70 percent of its income.
Chief executive Stephanie Sirr says the city centre venue will be “heavily affected” by the current “unprecedented circumstances” and has issued a plea asking people to consider rejecting a refund on axed productions.
She said: “If you would like to show your support, we would be immensely grateful if you could consider the following alternatives allowing us to retain all or part of your ticket price as a donation to our charitable trust or by exchanging your ticket value for a credit note to be used against a future Nottingham Playhouse production. You would be helping to ensure the future of the Playhouse beyond these very challenging times.”
So far the theatre - which last year welcomed Sir Ian McKellen to its stage - has postponed its Private Peaceful production which was due to run from March 27 to April 11.
Tickets were priced from £8.50 to £30.50. Anyone who does ask for a refund for the show will be issued one.
Stephanie said: “"In line with Government health advice Nottingham Playhouse is very sad to announce that Private Peaceful has had to be deferred for the time being. We will be issuing full refunds to everybody that asks for one.
“Obviously, these are unprecedented circumstances and, as a charity, Nottingham Playhouse will be heavily affected by recent events as we rely upon ticket income for over 70 percent of our income.
“We look forward to welcoming you back to Nottingham Playhouse very soon.”
The Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall have also closed their doors and cancelled the next four weeks of productions due to coronavirus fears.
