Mikron Theatre have smashed through their fundraising target of £48,337.49 in only three weeks which means they can stage their 50th year of touring in 2021.
That very specific target was the shortfall they calculated cancelling their entire 2020 season had cost the Yorkshire based company, but their incredibly loyal band of fans built up over the last 48 years rallied round to keep them afloat.
The company have been touring the UK’s canals, rivers and roads onboard a vintage narrowboat putting on their shows in places that other theatre companies wouldn’t even think about from a play about growing-your-own shown in allotments to a work about chips to audiences in a fish and chips restaurant.
The runaway success of this appeal means Mikron can tour two brand new shows in 2011 – Amanda Whittington’s Atalanta Forever, which tells the story of Women’s football in the 1920s, and Polly Hollman’s canine comedy caper A Dog’s Tale.
Since they were formed in 1972, Mikron have written 64 original shows, composed and written 384 songs, issued over 236 actor musician contracts, spent 30,000 boating hours on the inland waterways, covered 530,000 road miles, performed over 5060 times and performed to over 428,000 people
“We are absolutely humbled by the support we have received. It is testament to not only how valued the company is, but also to the work we have done for the last 50 years,” say Mikron’s Artistic Director Marianne McNamara.
“We’ve had letters and emails from all over the world, Texas, Catalonia and the Netherlands and of course every corner of the country from Cornwall to Cromarty, saying how much Mikron means to them and that they couldn’t see us miss out on our 50th year of touring.”
“Every penny raised over the minimum amount we needed for the appeal will, of course, be used wisely, and carefully. We have Tyseley, our narrowboat to keep shipshape, and we will be able to continue our aims of developing new writers, directors and creatives for the future of Mikron and the industry as a whole.”
For further information on Mikron Theatre Company or to donate visit www.mikron.org.uk/appeal
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