Sharma says support Sainsbury Singers show!
14th May 2012
Reading based amateur dramatics group and local charity the Sainsbury Singers is currently in crisis and if ticket sales do not increase their next show could be their last.
Founded by local man Frank Sainsbury in 1938, the group will be back at the Hexagon from 22-26 May, performing the light hearted comedic musical Thoroughly Modern Millie. But a decline in ticket sales means that the group has not yet covered the hire of the Hexagon Theatre and is due to make big losses on its other costs.
In 2003 the Sainsbury Singers started a children's theatre group, ‘Kidz Alive!’ to encourage local school children to become involved in the theatre. Kidz Alive! meets once a month on a Saturday afternoon in the Grange Church Hall in Southcote.
Rob Latimer from the Fundraising team at the Sainsbury Singers said: “If sales do not pick up soon we face a heavy loss which may cause the society to fold. Local theatre has been a great asset in Reading over past years but the current lack of support from the public and the media is forcing many organisations to seriously consider their future. Next year is the 75th anniversary of the creation of the Sainsbury Singers and we are currently planning several celebratory events in the local community. We desperately hope that we can continue to help providing access to the arts in Reading for years to come.”
Rob Latimer continued: “Against the backdrop of increasing costs and reducing audiences, the Sainsbury Singers has worked tirelessly to bring down their budgets. Over the last two years the group has taken a number measures including using different venues and costuming the shows themselves. This has brought the average costs of a show down by a massive 42%. Unfortunately, however hard we work at bringing down the costs, the audience numbers are reducing at a greater rate.”
Alok Sharma, the Member of Parliament for Reading West, said: “I have known the Sainsbury singers group for several years and the charity plays an important role in nurturing local talent and helping school children to gain in self-confidence by taking part in public performances and it would be a real shame if the group could not continue to run.”
Alok continued: “With tickets costing as little as £6, I would urge anyone with an interest in the theatre to go out and enjoy this show knowing you will be doing your bit to make sure the group can continue to cultivate local talent and put on shows in the future.”
Thoroughly Modern Millie tells the story of a small-town girl, Millie Dillmount, who comes to New York City to marry for money instead of love – a thoroughly modern aim in 1922, when women were just entering the workforce. Millie soon begins to take delight in the flapper lifestyle, but problems arise when she checks into a hotel owned by the leader of a slavery ring in China.
Thoroughly Modern Millie will be showing at the Hexagon Theatre from 22nd May – 26th May 2012.
Tickets start from just £6 and are available from the ticket officer on 0118 988 2510, on the Sainsbury Singer’s website www.sainsburysingers.org.uk or from the Hexagon box office on 0118 9606060. Further information can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.
Photos: Louise Quelch who plays lead woman, Millie and the Thoroughly Modern Millie cast rehearsing
