Citylife in Lichfield September 2020

The Garrick
Theatre
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The Covid-19 pandemic has affected many businesses and
organisations throughout Lichfield. The Garrick Theatre has
issued the following statement:
Lichfield Garrick has worked hard to bring world class theatre to the
city, giving audiences from Lichfield and surrounds the very best
entertainment right on their doorstep. However, the reality we currently
face is that the risk for large touring companies such as The Mousetrap, is
too great during this period. The producers of these large shows have
made the decision to postpone their tours. Therefore it is with a heavy
heart that Lichfield Garrick is postponing its autumn season shows in
September and October.
The impact of COVID-19 has been devastating for the theatre and live
entertainment industry, especially for charitable organisations like
Lichfield Garrick.
Following popular demand in the city and district, the Lichfield Garrick
opened for block buster cinema just before lock down struck. It is now
working on its autumn season so that it can continue to bring the best
new films, live event screenings and a huge variety of entertainment to
our city.
Lichfield Garrick generates 89% of its income from ticket sales, and the
ongoing loss of earned income is unsustainable. Since 16 March 2020,
Lichfield Garrick has been unable to operate. Whilst we welcome the
recently announced government support for the arts, and continued
support from our partners, it will not fully support the expected costs of
the theatre whilst the pandemic continues.
It is with great sadness that, as a result of the ongoing COVID-19
pandemic, Lichfield Garrick theatre has been forced to make cost savings,
including redundancy and short time working which impact 46% of
permanent roles.
Chief Executive Karen Foster commented:
“I am incredibly proud of our team of dedicated, committed, talented
individuals, and so it is with immense sadness that, in order to safeguard
the future of the theatre, I have no alternative but to make very difficult
and painful decisions regarding their future. With the loss of two more
months of shows, and the prospect of a still uncertain future beyond this,
I hope that reducing the team at this point will enable us to persevere
through this terrible period and emerge with a skilled workforce ready to
expand back to pre-covid activities.
“As a small, independent charity, the Lichfield Garrick needs the
support of its communities more than ever before to help us through this
period of enforced hibernation and to help retain the skilled and
experienced staff for the good of all our local audiences.
“To all of our much-missed patrons, please stay safe and help to
prevent the spread of coronavirus, so that we can meet again in your
local theatre, where I can assure you, we will be following the guidance
offered by Public Health England to keep our staff and public as safe as
possible.
“To my wonderful team, thank you for being so kind and supportive in
the face of the cuts which are sweeping through our industry nationally
and which have now impacted our lives locally.”
Enormous challenges remain as we face an extended closure period for
our main house auditorium. We would like to thank our audiences who
have been so supportive and to remind everyone that the best way to
support our theatre right now is to purchase tickets for future
performances, join as a Friend or donate to Lichfield Garrick arts charity
via our website, so we can continue to make a difference to our audiences
and the many participants of our education and outreach programmes.
For affected shows, the box office team will be in touch to see if you
would like to move your ticket to the new dates, donate your ticket to
Lichfield Garrick arts charity or request a full refund.
We appreciate your support during this time.
We will meet again.
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