Toilet refurb boosted by £10k challenge grant
We’re delighted to share some brilliant news about our Stalls toilets refurbishment at Theatre Royal Winchester. Thanks to the incredible generosity of The Backstage Trust, we’ve just been awarded a £25,000 grant to support the project – and there’s more! The Trust has also set us an exciting £10,000 fundraising challenge, which means every donation from our community matters more than ever.
Why the toilets matter so much
As many of you know, our Stalls toilets are long overdue a major upgrade. They’re outdated, often out of order and no longer fit for the needs of our audiences. By refurbishing them, we will:
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Improve the audience experience with more capacity
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Make the facilities more inclusive
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Introduce eco-friendly, water-saving and energy-efficient features
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Protect the theatre’s long-term financial stability by avoiding endless costly repairs
Without this work, the risk is serious: we could face repeated closures of facilities, spiralling costs – and, in the worst case, closure of the theatre itself.
A challenge that doubles your impact
Here’s where you come in. The Backstage Trust has challenged us to raise £10,000 in new donations through our Crowdfunder. If we succeed, they’ll match it with an extra £10,000.
That means every pound you give right now could be worth twice as much, taking us even closer to our goal of £100,000 for the final phase of the refurbishment.
How you can help
We’ve launched a Crowdfunder to raise £30,000 towards the total. With this new challenge, your support is more powerful than ever.
Or get in touch with Becca Moore, our Fundraising Manager, at becca@playtothecrowd.co.uk or 01962 673 746.
Take a walkthrough the plan with Deryck Newland
A long-standing supporter
We’re so grateful to The Backstage Trust, who have supported us before:
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In 2019, helping us refurbish the foyer
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In 2020, contributing to our Survival Appeal during the pandemic, which kept live performance and creative engagement alive for our community
Their continued belief in our work means the world to us.
A word from Becca Moore, Fundraising Manager at Play to the Crowd
"We’re incredibly grateful to The Backstage Trust for their support at this crucial stage. Their generosity gives a huge boost to our Stalls toilets refurbishment, making the theatre more welcoming and inclusive for everyone. Now we have the chance to unlock an extra £10,000 and we’re urging local people to get behind our appeal. Every donation really does count – now doubly so – and you can help finish this project and keep Theatre Royal Winchester safe from the real threat of closure."
Be part of protecting Theatre Royal Winchester’s future
This is a once-in-a-generation refurbishment that will make a lasting difference for audiences, artists, and our whole community. Together, we can make sure Theatre Royal Winchester remains a thriving home for live performance at the heart of the city.
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