RSC Launches £1m Transforming Theatres Appeal

At the Royal Shakespeare Company’s annual Open Day, attended by more than 10,000 people in Stratford-upon-Avon yesterday (31 August 2008), RSC artistic director Michael Boyd launched the “Transforming our Theatres Appeal” to raise £1 million towards the ongoing transformation of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre (pictured).

Last year, after exceeding the original £100 million fundraising target before building work had even begun, the RSC decided to extend renovations to the Grade II-listed building – adding in a double-height rooftop restaurant and increased facilities for artists – with a price tag of a further £12.8 million (See News, 19 Apr 2007).

On Saturday, Boyd said: “It has long been our aim to bring actors and audiences closer together and this appeal gives everyone a chance to help us achieve that aim. We are transforming the auditorium into a truly exciting performance space and the whole building into a much more open and welcoming place.

“We have been fortunate to receive many gifts from our members and supporters already, but with £10 million left to raise, we still have some way to go, and every single contribution, no matter how small, takes us closer to our goal. The £1 million we hope to raise through the Transforming our Theatres Appeal is crucial to help us on our way.”

The appeal includes collection boxes and standard online, postal and telephone donations as well as opportunities to sponsor seats (£1,200) and bricks (£50 each) and to “top up your tickets” with a donation surcharge.

In September 2004, the RSC officially scrapped controversial plans put in place by former RSC artistic director Adrian Noble to demolish the RST (See News, 22 Sep 2004). Instead, a new 1,030-capacity auditorium is being created within the existing 1932 riverside building, which currently seats 1,400. Once redesigned, the distance from the furthest seat to the stage will be reduced from the current 27 metres to 15 metres.

According to Boyd, the RST’s new, more intimate thrust-stage auditorium – which will be the largest thrust stage with a tiered auditorium in the world – will “marry truth and epic” (See News, 14 Jun 2006). The revitalised building will include expansion of both front of house (more disabled access, bar, restaurants, toilet and exhibition space) and backstage facilities (improved dressing rooms, technical and support areas).

After securing £70 million from public funding, £50 million from Arts Council England and £20 million from Advantage West Midlands, the RSC raised more than £30 million from its own fundraising efforts, some £22 million of that from five private philanthropists, to cover the £100 million cost of its original scheme.

Building work began in April 2007, when the RST was officially decommissioned, and is due to be completed in 2010. Until then, the temporary 1,000-seat Courtyard Theatre acts as the RSC’s main home in Stratford.

– by Terri Paddock