The Bush Theatre today launched an opportunity to’ Write the Bush’s Future’ a fundraising initiative aimed at securing the west London venues’ future in what continues to be uncertain times for many arts organisations. The launch is accompanied by a film including playwright Jonathan Harvey and actor and writer Tasha Brown alongside Bush Theatre management Lynette Linton and Lauren Clancy.
On Thursday (6 August) the Bush reopens to the public with the launch of several summer projects for the local community and the opening of the theatre’s Library bar but the opportunity to produce plays, and the new work for which the venue is internationally renowned, still seem a long way off. The venue has lost 40% of its income which would normally come from ticket sales and so needs support more than ever to ensure its future.
For this reason, the venue is launching the ‘Write the Bush’s Future’ campaign which gives people a chance to join the Bush Supporter community from as little as £60. The money raised by this group of very special donors will give the artistic team, writers, and emerging artists the time and space to continue to create innovative, groundbreaking theatre.
Every year the Bush works with 2,000 members of its local community and 250 emerging writers and artists as well as employing over 200 freelance creatives. The closure of our theatres has had a devastating impact on the industry, on our community, and on writers, actors and freelancers who make the work possible.
Supporters include playwright Jonathan Harvey whose plays ‘Beautiful Thing’ and ‘Boom Bang-A-Bang’ both premiered at the Bush before he went on to write the hit TV series ‘Gimmie, Gimmie, Gimmie’ and become a regular writer on ‘Coronation Street’
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‘I more or less started my career at the Bush in the ’90s. It is the place I credit the most with kick-starting my career. They really supported me as an artist, helped me refine my voice and find out what I wanted to say in the theatre’
The Bush Theatre’s Executive Director, Lauren Clancy said ‘We are determined to continue supporting the best and most exciting new artists in new ways and alongside that looking out for the broader Bush family including our local community. However over 40% of our income usually comes from ticket sales, our bar, and events business which means that we are reliant on our supporters now more than ever. We are asking you to join a special group of supporters who will give us the financial resilience to open our doors and produce work. Please think about whether you can help us and play a part in Writing the Bush’s future.’
Further information on how to donate can be found at the Bush Theatre’s website
