At least 70 jobs at risk at beleaguered theatre groups

Nearly a third of jobs at Sheffield Theatres are under threat, following the group’s announcement that its venues won’t fully reopen until next spring because of the pandemic.

The group, which runs the Crucible and the Lyceum in Sheffield, says it will only stage a “pop-up” season this year, with activities and audience numbers severely curtailed.

A consultation has now been launched, which could result in 72 staff members being made redundant.

Also, York Theatre Royal has announced it is entering into consultations with staff, saying this will “regrettably lead to some redundancies”.

Dan Bates, Sheffield Theatres chief executive, said: “We know that we can’t expect to see audiences returning to pre-pandemic levels for quite some time.

“I am heartbroken that this means that we won’t have as much work for people and therefore we have to reduce our staffing levels.

“We are entering into consultation with our team and we are considering proposals which include all staff reducing their hours of work as well as potential redundancies.

“Although this is a hard sacrifice for everyone, we believe it will help us to keep as many people employed as possible. Of our 248 colleagues, 72 people are at risk at the moment.

“I’d like to thank our team for their loyalty and grace during this extremely challenging period.

“The latest [Government] announcements suggest socially distanced audiences may be allowed for live theatre from 1 August.

“However, we know that it isn’t financially viable for us to produce our usual programme for a reduced audience. We also know that the shows that were set to visit us this autumn have had to cancel or rearrange due to the challenges of touring right now.

“And so, we are closing the Lyceum and the Studio through to spring 2021.”

Sheffield Theatres received £675,000 last month as part of Arts Council England’s Emergency funding.

This money is designed to support theatres with losses incurred from their closure in March and will help them survive until the end of September.

The organisation has also welcomed news of the Government’s £1.57bn package for arts, culture and heritage, although it continues to wait for further details including eligibility and terms.

Sheffield Theatres says it generates 89% of its own income, so its inability to sell tickets, programmes, food or drink has a huge impact on its finances.

It currently estimates that in its next financial year its income will be slashed by 58% and audiences by 57%.

A spokesman for York Theatre Royal said: “The theatre has been unable to open its doors for performances since 17 March and, despite Government allowing the return of socially-distanced performances from 1 August, the theatre’s survival will depend on it reducing costs significantly.

“89% of York Theatre Royal’s annual income is generated through selling tickets and from revenue streams associated with welcoming audiences.”

Tom Bird, executive director at York Theatre Royal, said: “It is devastating to me that in the coming weeks we are going to have to make some very difficult decisions.

“But the theatre can survive this and we will make sure that, when we are able to re-open our doors, York Theatre Royal will come roaring back with an epic programme to help re-energise our community’s creativity.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the hundreds of people who are donating to the theatre at this time, as a result of our heightened fundraising messages.”