An SOS to bring back The Poly's theatre
Falmouth’s much-loved arts venue, The Poly, is launching Save Our Stage (SOS), a Crowdfunder campaign to raise the money needed to fully reopen its theatre for the community. It’s hoped the campaign will raise £15,000 to complete vital repairs to this area of the Grade II* listed building.
At the heart of the Falmouth’s vibrant arts scene, The Poly is a charity providing art galleries, a Guild makers shop and pottery, a theatre/cinema, café/bar and heritage archives As a creative hub, one of The Poly’s core aims is to nurture the development of local talent through offering new opportunities and experiences to engage in cultural activities. In addition, The Poly hosts visiting companies and creatives from further afield, bringing some of the best small scale touring productions to Cornwall.
Following the challenges of lockdown, The Poly has been pleased to welcome the community back through its doors to enjoy a growing calendar of events and exhibitions. This has included launching a new season of film screenings earlier this year - once again bringing to Falmouth the best in independent cinema.
Despite all the good news, the theatre is a key facility not yet back in full use. During its Covid-enforced closure, some much-needed renovation works took place, including removing and safely disposing of asbestos materials recently identified in the backstage area of the theatre.
While much of this work was funded through Poly reserves and assets, the venue needs support to complete the restoration of the area behind the scenes, including the changing rooms. These include replacing curtains, ropes and fixings, repairing walls where asbestos boards have been removed, re-installing sound and lighting equipment and upgrading necessary electrical systems in the theatre. Unfortunately, the theatre is unable to reopen for full stage performances until this important work is completed. To achieve these goals, the venue is hoping to raise the required funds from its friends, supporters, associate artists and customers.
As well as film screenings, The Poly’s 180-seat theatre, is known for hosting a wide range of performances including plays and musicals, family shows, comedy, live music, and talks. Intimate and full of character, the theatre allows customers to soak up the atmosphere and get close to the action as they enjoy some of the best and most innovative local shows and touring acts. Nothing compares to seeing an event live and The Poly has a reputation for staging absorbing, independent entertainment with a flair of originality.
If successful, the money raised by the Crowdfunding campaign will enable the building works to be completed, so the theatre can reopen later this year.
Ginny Button, The Poly’s Chair said:
“The Poly is very much about bringing families and our community together, with an emphasis on growing local talent. Our theatre allows us to fulfil our commitment to nurture performance skills within our community. Many of our children and young people have possibly made their first appearance on stage at The Poly, allowing them to build their skills and confidence, with the support of a warm and receptive local audience cheering them on.
“We very much want to see our theatre space back open for the community as soon as possible and all donations, however big or small, will help us complete the much-needed work.”
Ed Cartwright, The Poly’s Manager said:
“The Poly's theatre has a vital role to play in reinvigorating the high street, bringing people into the town during the evenings and encouraging important secondary spend in the cafes, bars and restaurants nearby. It's important for the community and the town that it re-opens as soon as possible so any donations, whatever size, would be fantastic.”
For more details on how you can donate, please see https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-poly-save-our-stage
ENDS: 28th June 2022
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