Amble-based NTC’s panto Cinderella will be able to go ahead this Christmas thanks to an anonymous donation of £10,000 from someone the company is regarding as its Fairy Godmother.
The Northumberland Theatre Company (NTC), based in Amble’s Dovecote Centre, is a self-funding, professional, small-scale touring theatre company and, like every other entertainment business, has been severely financially impacted by COVID restrictions.
“The lady asked us to keep her identity a secret and we don’t know her personally,” said Lewis Matthews, NTC’s Artistic Director. “All we know is that she has enjoyed our work in the past and has decided to help us out by donating this fantastic amount of money that will be used to pay for the Christmas panto which this year is Cinderella. It’s quite appropriate that Cinders had a Fairy Godmother and now so do we. We are all very grateful.”
NTC has only been able to do one outdoor production this year and touring had to be put on hold. Now it is anticipated that, following risk assessments and COVID-proofing, the centre will reopen to the public in early August. Forthcoming events include regular cinema showings and a production of The Importance of Being Earnest as well as the return of the community groups which use the premises.
“We've been well supported by the people of Amble during the pandemic by donations, well-wishes and pledges to return to see our shows,” said Matthews, “but this anonymous gift has really lifted our spirits and given us the funds to guarantee that the theatre will be filled with laughter and joy this Christmas time.”
Cinderella will run from 17 to 31 December and tickets can be booked through Eventbrite.