Curve to expand as attendance levels soar

Curve theatre in Leicester has revealed plans to increase its seating capacity after releasing its annual results.

Turnover at Curve dropped from £11.6m last year – its best-ever year – to £10.6m this year, but attendance levels were up by 8%, as the arts venue announced that it has received grant funding from Leicester City Council of £780,000 that will be used to add 67 more seats to its larger auditorium to take capacity to 969.

Over one million visited Curve during the last 12 months.

Chris Stafford, chief executive and Nikolai Foster Artistic Director said today: “2017/18 was a terrific year for Curve, with all areas of the theatre firing on all cylinders, setting the tone for what we are achieving during our action-packed 10th Birthday year.

“We are thrilled over one million people either visited our home in Leicester or saw a Made at Curve co-production on the road. Our ambition to create diverse, entertaining and challenging theatre for our communities in the 21st Century is always developing; none of this work would be possible without the support of our growing loyal audiences, the dedicated work of the Curve team and our principal funders, Leicester City Council and Arts Council England.

“The addition of extra seats to our larger auditorium enables us to develop our artistic offering through increased revenue, strengthen existing relationships and bring higher profile national and international touring productions to the city. Accessibility is always paramount and the five new fixed wheelchair positions ensure Curve continues to remain a place where everyone can engage with the arts.”

Ian Squires, chair of Leicester Theatre Trust said: “I think this report shows what a remarkable asset we have with this theatre in Leicester – a truly national and international stage that has also developed deep roots with our local community through outreach and educational work. The addition of more seats in the main theatre offers Curve and its loyal audiences a greater opportunity to bring even bigger shows to town and to secure Curve’s place for the future.”

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