STATEMENT ON BOAT’S 2020 SUMMER SEASON

Friday 20^th March 2020

The last few days have been unprecedented for everyone involved in the events and hospitality industries, and our hearts go out to all businesses and individuals who have been affected by the global pandemic.

Following the government’s statement on Monday, advising people not to go to the theatre, BOAT have come to the incredibly difficult decision to delay the start of our Summer 2020 season from Friday 1^st May, to Wednesday 10^th June. This is with the understanding that, should circumstances surrounding the pandemic worsen, the season may have to be delayed further.

We are crushingly disappointed that the productions scheduled in May and the first part of June will not be able to go ahead as planned. Our hope is to reschedule as many of them as possible, either to later in the summer, or to next year. We are currently in close correspondence with all the relevant companies regarding this. Ticket holders will be contacted in due course, and offered either a transfer to a rescheduled date, or a full refund.

BOAT, along with many other theatres, is currently experiencing an exceptionally difficult time. As a small charitable organisation, which receives no public funding, we are entirely reliant on income from ticket and bar sales to stay afloat. There’s no question that this season will see an immense dip in these income streams for us, and we are therefore humbly asking anyone who is willing and able to consider donating to us. We pride ourselves on offering a platform for a wide range of artists, with both internationally-renowned companies, local youth groups, and everyone in between offered space to perform. This model is only made possible by the generosity of our wonderful audience, and we need your support now more than ever before. If you would like to donate even a small amount to us, we would be immeasurably grateful. You can do so by clicking the ‘Donate Now’ button at the top of our website’s homepage, or by clicking here.

Our thoughts and hearts go out to the millions of others who have been affected by this devastating pandemic, and we urge anyone capable to consider offering financial and emotional support to those most in need. We must all do our best to remain as positive and optimistic as we possibly can, and hope to come out the other side of this stronger than ever before.

Please subscribe to our newsletter and follow our social media channels for the most up to date information regarding the rest of our season. Stay safe, healthy and let’s look forward with defiance and optimism.

We’re all in this together.

Regards,

Brighton Open Air Theatre