The Bush Theatre has launched their campaign to Write The Bush’s Future – a fundraising initiative that aims to secure the venue’s future in a difficult and uncertain time.
Alongside the launch, the Bush Theatre have produced a film including playwright Jonathan Harvey and actor and writer Tasha Brown alongside Bush Theatre management Lynette Linton and Lauren Clancy.
This Thursday, the Bush will reopen to the public, launching a programme of summer projects for the local community, as well as opening their Library bar.
The venue has lost 40% of its income which would normally come from ticket sales and so needs support more than ever to ensure its future. Every year, the Bush works with 2,000 members of its local community and 250 emerging writers and artists as well as employing over 200 freelance creatives. The closure has also had a huge impact on the industry and community surrounding the theatre.
The Write The Bush’s Future campaign lets people join the Bush Supporter community from as little as £60. This group of special donors will give the artistic team, writers, and emerging artists the time and space to continue to create innovative, groundbreaking theatre.
Playwright Jonathan Harvey wrote plays ‘Beautiful Thing’ and ‘Boom Bang-A-Bang’, which premiered at the Bush before he went on to write the hit TV series ‘Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie’ and become a regular writer on ‘Coronation Street’.
Jonathan said:
“I more or less started my career at the Bush in the ’90s. It is the place I credit the most with kick-starting my career. They really supported me as an artist, helped me refine my voice and find out what I wanted to say in the theatre”
The Bush Theatre’s Executive Director, Lauren Clancy said:
“We are determined to continue supporting the best and most exciting new artists in new ways and alongside that looking out for the broader Bush family including our local community. However over 40% of our income usually comes from ticket sales, our bar, and events business which means that we are reliant on our supporters now more than ever.
“We are asking you to join a special group of supporters who will give us the financial resilience to open our doors and produce work. Please think about whether you can help us and play a part in Writing the Bush’s future.”