Newcastle Theatre opens doors as a community warm space
Alphabetti Theatre will be open from 11-11 5 days a week for people who are struggling with the cost of living crisis
The team at Newcastle's Alphabetti theatre is urging people not to struggle in the cold, alone this winter - as they open up as a warm space for the community.
The independent theatre will be open from 11 in the morning until 11 at night 5 days a week - from Tuesday to Saturday - to give people a safe, warm place to go if they are concerned about putting the heating on or trying to work from home with the skyrocketing energy costs.
As well as having the heating on, the theatre will have free internet and electricity access, a library and craft activities at certain times.
They'll also be offering hot drinks for £1 if people are able to afford it, and £2.50 cheese toasties - offering vegan and gluten free versions too.
As Founder and Artistic/Executive Director Ali Pritchard explains:
“It’s going to be grim for most of us, so we want to open up our space for everyone with no pressure to spend money, where we can all have a mint time without it costing the world!”
San Persaud is the General Manager of the theatre - and tells us she hopes to offer workshops which will help people with IT skills, online meter readings and more;
"One of the things I want to do is like a techy-tea party where I invite people to come in and I will help them set up their emails, show them how to put a metre reading online,
"Anything they struggle with - even contacting family via WhatsApp - I want to be able to share my experience with them.
"I want to pass it on because technology - everything revolves around technology - and if we can play a small part in that and help people to communicate and not be so intimidated by it - especially vulnerable people where the only way they can do things is online - then we'll be here to help them do that."
They will also be offering pay what you feel printing, photocopying and scanning facilities as well.
San explains the theatre has always been a safe space for people, artists or not - and that's the message they want to share;
"Alphabetti's always been for the community and people anyway - it always has been a safe space for people, and we want to continue that.
"This is all about community and people - it's not about profit - its just so that people have somewhere to come and feel safe."
You can find out more about Alphabetti, or donate to support them and the Warm Spaces scheme online.