More than 120,000 tickets were issued for Nottingham Playhouse productions in 2015-16, the theatre’s annual review reveals.
The Playhouse took £1.7 million at the box office and there was a 22% increase in the number of people who were attending the theatre for the first time.
More than 1,000 people attended a workshop, 6,500 people took part in one of the Playhouse’s participation sessions and the theatre worked with 430 people during its Schools Massive project, introducing many young people to the stage for the first time. Comparable figures for the previous year are not available.
Chief executive Stephanie Sirr said, “we're immensely proud of our impact on the theatre sector as a whole, locally, nationally and internationally. But it's our work with local young people, often young people in need, that’s really set Nottingham Playhouse apart in this review. That work is essential, effective and at the core of what Nottingham Playhouse stands for.”
Artistic director Giles Croft added, “once again we’ve been fortunate enough to work with remarkable artists and brilliant partners to ensure that we can make some of the finest theatre in the country that both entertains and challenges our audiences.
“But what stands out for me is the diverse range of work we’ve commissioned and produced, from new plays such as Any Means Necessary (by Kefi Chadwick) and (Andy Barrett’s) Tony’s Last Tape to classics such as (John Webster’s) The Duchess Of Malfi and A Skull In Connemara (by Martin McDonagh). Long may it continue.”
Caroline Shutter, chair of Nottingham Playhouse, commented, “I’m immensely proud of the impact Nottingham Playhouse has on the city, not only in terms of producing great artistic work but also the revenue it brings to Nottingham and our communities.
“In 2015/16 we took £1,733,660 at the box office and issued over 121,000 tickets, some which were donated to schools and charities, giving people who don't ordinarily come to the Playhouse a chance to do so.”