“Uplifting” message from Midlands venues

Published: 7 July 2020
Reporter: Steve Orme

Joyful reminder: Royal and Derngate
Shining bright: Birmingham REP Credit: Hannah Kelly

Two Midlands theatres joined venues across the UK in being lit up in red in a message of hope for the sector and solidarity with all freelancers, artists and event staff.

#LightItInRed aims to highlight the challenges facing all aspects of live events, entertainment, arts and the performance sector while there is still no reopening date in sight.

James Dacre, Northampton Royal and Derngate’s artistic director, commented, “our stages may remain empty and our doors may remain closed but Royal and Derngate was illuminated in red and dressed in striking tape as a reminder of the joy and spectacle that these venues normally bring to half a million audiences each year.

“In these difficult times, we hope to send an uplifting message of hope for our sector and solidarity with all freelancers, artists, event staff and businesses who work across it.”

In a joint statement, Birmingham REP artistic director Sean Foley and executive director Rachel Thomas said, “we hope that funds in the government’s new cultural support package will be distributed in a representative and inclusive way that recognises the vital role played by individuals and companies in sustaining the theatrical landscape.”

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