Audience numbers at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre were at their highest ever in 2016-17, with 176,180 tickets sold.
The theatre’s annual report reveals that the Belgrade produced and presented more than 500 performances of 133 productions on both its main stage and in the B2 auditorium which has celebrated its tenth anniversary.
Earned income now makes up 72.8% of the Belgrade’s overall income, up from 46% in 2008-9. Box-office receipts formed the largest income stream, making up 42.6%.
Joanna Reid, the Belgrade’s executive director, said, “we’re hugely proud of the success we’ve achieved over the past year and would like to thank all our staff, supporters but most of all audience members who are increasing their support so that ticket sales are the highest numbers we’ve ever seen.”
During the past year, the theatre collected awards for its productions, community and education programme and commitment to promoting diversity.
Satinder Chohan’s Made in India won best production at the Eastern Eye arts, culture and theatre awards while Wipers by Ishy Din won best stage production in the Asian media awards. Both productions brought together a team of British and Asian artists.
The Belgrade also picked up a UK Theatre award for the promotion of diversity and a Coventry and Warwickshire tourism and culture award for cultural education.