Eastbourne theatre boss pens letter to patrons calling for support

Chairman of the Royal Hippodrome Friends Michael Barnes wrote the letter this week asking patrons to sign up as a ‘friend’ for £10 a year, which will give the customer a ‘really generous package’ and help fund the establishment’s ‘restoration’ and ‘enhancement’.

The letter reads, “Dear patrons, thank you for supporting the Royal Hippodrome Theatre.

“We hope you have enjoyed the productions which you have seen in our wonderful Victorian building.

“I am writing to you, as chairman, to invite you to be even more supportive of the theatre by joining us as a friend. You may know that, for the last couple of years, the Royal Hippodrome has been in the hands of the enthusiastic and talented couple, Alex and Debbie Adams.

“Their background in local theatre activity for many years is enabling them to restore the building to its original elegance and to give it an ever-increasing and varied programme on stage.

“We, the Royal Hippodrome Friends, have been supporting the theatre since 1992 and succeeded in gaining Grade II listed status for it and helped to ensure its future. By our fundraising efforts we have been able to contribute extensively to the theatre.

“Our most recent gift, for example, is the luxurious carpeting in the new and extended foyer, along with numerous other essential items. Socially, we run a programme of activities for members, conduct tours of the theatre for the public and endeavour to enhance the theatre’s place in the town’s heritage.

“So, I am inviting you to join us and become a part of this 137-year-old theatre’s future. For a yearly subscription of just £10, discounted for couples and young people, you will receive a really generous package.

“As well as being able to join in our social programme, you will be given a loyalty card which will entitle you to a 10 per cent discount off two shows per year, enable you to receive two free drinks from the bar and two interval ice creams. This generous package could easily double the value of your membership subscription.

“By joining us you will be benefitting the theatre by your support and helping with its restoration and enhancement. If you would like to do so, email [email protected]. Looking forward to hearing from you.”

A theatre spokesperson said, “During the last few weeks we have been inundated by messages of support from our loyal patrons, supporters and friends. Thank you to everyone who has been so understanding about the changes to our programme whilst we still remain closed. We hope you are staying safe and well and we look forward to welcoming you all back to The Royal Hippodrome Theatre as soon as it is safe to do so.”

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