Members of a Newport musical theatre group launched their crowd-funding campaign on Saturday by getting on their bike to raise money towards the costs of their next two productions.
Centrestage Cymru members and supporters undertook a day of non-stop peddling on an exercise cycle at Newport’s Dolman Theatre from 8am until 4pm. Participants included cast members of the forthcoming presentation of Annie which comes to Newport’s Dolman Theatre from May 1 -4.
Jordan Archer who plays Daddy Warbucks in Annie explains “Centrestage Cymru is all self-funded. We pay for lighting, costumes, set and rights to the shows and its all done by donations from our supporters and people inside the cast.”
“All the proceeds will go to our current show, Annie and then anything which is left over will go to our next show which is Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”
Centrestage Cymru have presented many spectacular musicals since Godspell in 2012, including Singin’ In the Rain, Grease, Evita and Top Hat. To maintain the high quality of such productions the company have regularly organised fundraisers from bingo night’s and sponsored walks to a weekly coffee shop.
The fundraising element is an important function to any successful musical theatre company as Centrestage Cymru Chairman, Sharon Higgins explains:
“Shows and theatre costs are going up year after year, so we can’t rely on ticket sales to cover everything. So, any fundraising goes straight back into the society to help cover costs. “
“For instance, our Annie has two wigs which cost £180, that alone is an extra expense to what we normally have. Going on to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang we have the hire of the car, which is separate to the set, but you can’t do Chitty Chitty Bang Bang without a flying car!”
Check out our exclusive video above which features several members of Centrestage Cymru and Sharon Higgins School of Dance taking part in the fundraiser, as well as sneak peek clips at the rehearsals of Annie.
Some of the members of Centrestage Cymru and Sharon Higgins Academy of Dance that took part in the Centrestage Cymru exercise cycle fundraiser on Saturday April 6th, 2019. Photos by Jordan Archer and Sharon Higgins. Main group photo by Rachel Howells.
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Anyone wishing to support Centrestage Cymru’s fundraisers can do so by donating to their Just Giving page.
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Centrestage Cymru’s presentation of Annie runs at Newport’s Dolman Theatre from May 1-4, 2019 with all performances commencing at 7.15pm. For booking details visit dolmantheatre.co.uk or contact 01633 263670.