A THEATRE group in Tyndale fears its future is in peril and is asking for donations on its GoFundMe page.
The Haltwhistle Boardwalkers, founded in 2015 are no strangers to drama, not only the productions they perform on stage but overcoming problems moments before the curtain rises - like their Cinderella show in 2016.
Recalling the day, chairman of the group Jonathan Kenworthy said: "To say it was a close-run thing would be an understatement as several of the props were still wet with paint when the curtain went up
"Despite all the technical hitches it was deemed to be a success by the audiences and cast.
"From that first performance, the group has gone from strength to strength, having performed Aladdin, Snow White, and then Dick Whittington, even to the extent of having a live band to accompany the singing. Then the group's last show in January of 2020 before the pandemic struck."
When The Boardwalkers are not on stage, they raise money for charities and have given away more than £15,000 to other local groups and charities throughout the years.
This year, the group has been busy raising funds to kit out the Middle School stage ready for their next performance in January 2024 but now find themselves needing money for numerous items.
Jonathon adds: "Despite having raised monies from various streams including the overwhelming generosity of local businesses and individuals, we are in need of further donations.
"For example, one recent quote for stage bars, fittings, and curtains totalled over £13k excluding VAT thus consuming a significant portion of the funds before lighting and sound are even addressed.
"We are shortly about to commence rehearsals and we are still in the unfortunate position of having to continue fundraising.
"The group was initially established to provide an annual pantomime, but the group now wishes to extend around the year into other productions for both the junior and senior members.
"Any capital equipment will be an asset to the town and in turn means that the stage will hopefully become a much-needed community hub for the townsfolk and the school alike. "The group has a new GoFundMe page which is called SOS Haltwhistle Boardwalkers future and the group can be contacted through their FB page HaltBoardwalkers
"The community page aims to raise 10K. Any donations or offers of help would be great."
To donate, go to www.gofundme.com/f/sos-haltwhistle-boardwalkers-future
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