Wilmslow Town Council has approved a grant application from a local theatre company to cover the cost of hiring the theatre for their forthcoming production.
The Alderley and Wilmslow Musical Theatre Company (AWMTC) applied for £3762 for the hire of the Evan's Theatre at Wilmslow Leisure Centre.
AWMTC was founded in 1947 and currently has 30 cast members and 32 crew ranging in age from 16 to 75. Their next production is the uplifting and popular musical comedy 'Sister Act' which will run between 10th and 14th November. They are amongst a small number of amateur societies chosen to perform this musical which is on limited release due to the fact the professional show is still being staged.
Speaking at the Town Council meeting on Monday, 19th October, Laura Sly said "Alderley and Wilmslow Musical Theatre Company has been in existence for 68 years – we pride ourselves on performing as professional a standard of musical production as possible, despite our amateur status. We are a registered charity whose aim it is to bring musical theatre to the people of Wilmslow – either with performing opportunities, the chance of getting involved behind the scenes or as audience members. There are no restrictions on getting involved and membership is open to all.
"We perform one main production a year, supplemented by a fund raising concert in the Spring, other ad hoc performances throughout the year, including Party in the Carrs this year and other fundraising activities throughout the year. We are totally aware that we need to continue to push to get back to the situation where we can fund our own activities without outside support and that continues to be our goal. That said – the costs of performance continue to rise. There is only one venue large enough to perform in in Wilmslow. There are challenges with a large live band and how you get the sound balance right and sound and lighting equipment has to be hired in. That said, we are very clear we want to remain performing in Wilmslow – it is, after all our home."
Laura added "In an ideal world our income would match our outgoings. We are not yet back in that position. We are very aware of ensuring our ticket prices remain affordable to as much of the community as we can. We know that to some people this is the only live theatre they experience in a year – as trips into Manchester are either prohibitively expensive or challenging in terms of accessibility particularly for older people. We are keen to continue to have reduced price tickets on certain performances and tickets specifically for children to ensure the widest access possible for the local population."
Wilmslow Town Council voted unanimously in support of this application.
