Scarborough theatre 'very lucky' to have funding to keep its doors open
It's as research shows other UK venues are concerned about having to close due to rising costs
A theatre in Scarborough says they are coping well despite concerns about rising costs and closures across the sector.
Uswitch says there are venues in the UK who are worried they might have to draw the final curtain as their business expenses go towards energy bills.
Caroline Routh, Executive Director at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, said: "I mean we're facing similiar problems to a lot of other venues. I think we're very lucky because we have funding from difference sources which helps, and we've put a real focus on trying to make our programme be something that our audience really, really want to come and see so we can try and increase revenue in that way.
"We have a number of shows that we're doing at the moment which really focusses on giving our audiences a good night out because we figured that's what people want at the moment. We're also really conscious, particularly being based in Scarborough, we're not a big city and not everyone can afford high ticket prices, so we work really hard to keep ticket prices low but also to try and then increase the numbers of people that come through the doors.
"If you don't use venues, you will lose it. We all saw that in lockdown that actually a lot of people are udner pressure and we suddenly realised how much we missed it. So even if you can afford to go once, that makes a difference because if lots of people go once then suddenly we all start building a momentum and enthusiasm and that's what we need.
"We have a cafe here, we have a cinema here, we run workshops, we do youth theatre stuff, we have dementia-friendly activities. Basically what we're trying to do is cater for as many people as we possibly can. If we can get you to come in and give us a go, we're delighted. Equally, we're happy to go out in different communities."
'The final curtain'
Energy bills are taking the centre stage of concern for live performance venues, as energy bills make up more than a third of overall business costs, according to Uswitch for Business, the business energy comparison and switching service.
Performance venues are widely recognised as energy-intensive spaces, and the new research of UK music venues, concert halls and theatres shows over a quarter (27%) are concerned about potential closure due to rising costs.
Air conditioning, heating, as well as extensive sound and lighting systems required to create immersive experiences for audiences are all adding towards total energy expenditure costs, with venues needing between 6 -1,000 kw to power low level concerts to major artist events.
Venues of all sizes report running at half capacity (50%) on average3. More than one in four (26%) sold fewer tickets this year, compared to last year.
Consumers attending live performances are also more inclined to choose less expensive seats (39%) or buy fewer refreshments (39%).
The show must go on: responding to the high energy costs
One in six (15%) venues report having to increase ticket prices, at an average of 25% per ticket to cover increased expenditure. In addition, more than a quarter (27%) have also increased the prices of refreshments.
Venues are also looking at new ways to reduce their energy output to directly tackle the problem. Training staff in energy efficiency measures (45%), switching to more energy efficient or LED lighting for both onstage and offstage (41%), and turning off, down or restricting air conditioning and heating (36%) are just some of the tactics.
Nearly one in five (19%) are also choosing to only open their doors during peak times of the week, and 17% are using less energy intensive movable staging and production measures.
But as energy prices continue to oscillate at high levels, three in five (60%) businesses are citing bills as their top concern for the next year, followed by inflation rates (41%) and staff costs (30%).
Venues say they may have to make considerable changes if business costs were to increase further, especially as more than one in three (34%) state their business margins are now lower than before the cost of living crisis.
Two in five (40%) fear they may have to make staff redundant to reduce costs, and one in three (35%) worry they may not be able to pay their energy bills on time.1 Overall, 32% feel anxious about the future of the industry.
Jack Arthur, energy expert at Uswitch for Business comments: “Live performances are central not only to the UK’s culture and entertainment sector, but also to the UK economy.
“While the sector has seen some recovery since the pandemic's impact, the cost of energy has added new additional challenges.
“With higher utility costs taking the stage, venues need to be meticulous about how energy usage is being considered at all levels of their organisation - from the stage floor to sound production.
“Investing in more energy efficient appliances where possible may help to bring costs down, and prevent the final curtain for many.
“Music venues should also make sure they’re aware of their energy contract terms and end date, so they can shop around for the best rates at the time of renewal. Getting expert advice where needed and speaking to someone could help many businesses make significant savings.”
Elspeth McBain, Chief Executive of Lighthouse Poole Centre for Arts says:
“Energy costs have been a major challenge to our venue, and indeed all venues in the last year, just as we were beginning to recover and get back on our feet following the devastating effect of the pandemic on culture and hospitality.
“In 2023 our electricity bill alone will increase by 200% and we are doing everything we can to meet this cost. However, this is on top of the significant increase in the cost of living which has increased our costs in all areas of the business and has also meant our audiences have less leisure spend available, restricting the number of times they can attend cultural events.
“Together, these factors have made it a testing time for organisations like ours and theatregoers alike. I am desperate for energy and living costs to come down so that we can keep bringing top class artists and productions to Poole, support local talent development, provide opportunities for cultural participation, and ensure that culture within our region continues to play a vital part in our community.”
Mark Davyd, CEO & Founder of the Music Venue Trust says:
“We have seen an incredible explosion in energy prices right across the grassroots music venue sector in the last 12 months.
“The current situation is really on a knife edge, with venues essentially clinging on to the end of existing fixed term contracts and any new tariff effectively immediately creating a venue under threat of permanent closure."