A THEATRE company fear they may have to close next year.
Marsden-based Mikron, who tour the English canals on a narrow boat, have lost two major chunks of funding.
General manager, Pete Toon, said the recession has really hit the 38-year-old firm and they are 25% down on their annual turnover.
He said: “It’s quite ironic actually because we did a show about the credit crunch last year.
“We’re just hoping that people will keep supporting us and turn up to our productions.
“If just one person brings along a friend that has never been before then that will double our audience.
“It’s not an expensive night – it’s less than £10 to see a live, original performance.”
The theatre group didn’t receive a £30,000 grant from the Arts Council this year, or a £6,000 West Yorkshire grant.
Despite this, they are determined to weather the storm.
‘Tales of the Thames’ premiers at the Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen Street, on May 15.
With Mikron’s customary style of telling a story through drama and song, the production celebrates the river’s past, present and future.
‘Fair Trade’, a story about the Rochdale roots of The Co-operative, premiers at Marsden Mechanics on Peel Street on April 25.
Mr Toon said: “We have four actor musicians, some of them playing up to 15 characters in one evening.
“They’re all part-time actors and that’s how we can afford to keep going, but in order to pay their wages we’re going to have to do some penny pinching.
“As a company we can cope this year but without sponsorship, I’m not sure if we’ll make 2010.
“A lot of our main sponsors have had to pull out because of recession budget cuts.”
The Mikron presents original live theatre with a strong musical element.
If they raise enough money to survive next year they aim to continue with two tours to over 100 venues across the country.
For more information visit www.mikron.org.uk or phone 01484 843701.
