A Cumbrian theatre group is fearing for its future as low ticket sales mean its upcoming show hangs in the balance.
Maryport Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society has sold only 125 tickets out of a possible 500, meaning the group may be forced to cancel its production of Mel Brook’s musical comedy Young Frankenstein at the Carnegie in Workington.
It will be the first production of the musical in the north of England.
“The show itself is absolutely hilarious,” said Clare Matear, who will play Elizabeth Benning in the show.
“It is a parody and spoof of several horror films, it is not a horror itself. People who don’t know the musical might be put off thinking it is a horror, but it is a comedy.”
It is feared that unless more tickets are sold, all of the hard work that has been put into the show will be for nothing.
“The group has been running for 109 years and other than during the pandemic it has never had to pull a show for any reason,” said Clare.
“If we don’t sell enough tickets we will have to pull the show. The group was hard hit during the pandemic and we were not able to get together, rehearse or put anything on.
“This is the first show post-pandemic.”
Coronavirus impact
The pandemic has impacted everyone in the group.
“For me personally it has been extremely difficult,” said Clare. “I feel a lot of the cast members rely on the society for that community.
“For me personally I see myself as a bit of an outcast so to be able to be part of that community means a lot.
“To not be able to do something that you have a huge passion for, it feels like something that is part of your life is taken away.
“I can’t say for sure that it (the pandemic) has affected mental health but I know coming back it has improved mine.”
It is not just the thought of losing a show that the society worries about.
“The downside of pulling a show is that amateur theatre groups rely on shows to fund the next show,” said Clare.
“We are all charities and all our money goes into each show. All of our money comes from shows, fundraising and grants, so if we are not able to put on a show it impacts future shows.”
Locally important
The impact of losing a show could be felt across the area, according to Clare.
“I think the group is quite important locally. There is strong support for local theatre and there are a lot of amateur groups,” she said.
“There is a huge pool of talent for performing arts locally.
“The Carnegie, like ourselves, is a charity and they also rely on donations and people going to the theatre, so this show cancelling doesn’t help them either.”
Anyone interested in attending the show – which will run between June 8 and June 11 – is urged to buy their tickets as quickly as possible.
“Anyone wanting tickets, please buy them as soon as possible so we know the show is feasible,” said Clare.
