Peterborough’s theatres draped in pink tape to support #SceneChange campaign

The recycled tape arrived in the city this morning from the Royal & Derngate, in Northampton, and has appeared at The Key Theatre, The Cresset, The Undercroft, and The New Theatre.

The aim is to not just highlight the closed buildings on standby but also to raise awareness of the vast cultural offer in Peterborough and the army of workers and freelancers who support, enable and deliver it.

“We’re very aware that the cultural offer in Peterborough is not only reliant on those with bricks and mortar. There is a network of poets, musicians, rural touring, live art and emerging companies

who hold up this cultural ecosystem via talented Peterborian artists and producers,” said Jess Baker, general manager of Eastern Angles theatre company, which operates The Undercroft at Serpentine Green,

Scott Hurran, speaking on behalf of all the venues involved, echoed Ms Baker’s sentiment saying: “Peterborough has a rich cultural landscape of freelance artists working in many different disciplines across the city. 70% of the theatre workforce is made up of freelancers, without them there is no theatre to return to. Many of these artists haven’t be able to benefit from any of the government schemes as of yet. It is important for us to come together in unity and to find ways to take action for theatre in Peterborough as we navigate our way through this pandemic.”

When cultural venues closed the impact was felt across the world, with many productions being moved online. However, theatre is so much more than what you may see on the stage. Community groups have lost their homes, staff and freelancers lost their livelihoods, emerging talent has no place to hone their craft, schools have no theatre visits, and the box offices are currently closed for local audiences.

Peterborough will be ready and can’t wait to welcome you back when the time is right!

The tape will be in place until Sunday before being removed and recycled. Share your pictures of the decorations on social media using #SceneChange #MissingLiveTheatre. To find out more about the work of Scene Change visit: https://www.scene-change.com