A BARNSLEY theatre group has been left ‘heartbroken’ as the cancellation of two of its shows have left the group struggling to survive.
LS Theatre Productions, a group made up of Barnsley residents and performers, was due to perform at The Lamproom later this month and in April.
Both Ireland’s Call and Avenue Q have been cancelled due to coronavirus fears, after the government agreed to close down theatres for the foreseeable future.
Lee Semley, director of LS Theatre Productions, said: “This decision was taken out of our hands due to the government advising people to not attend theatres.
“In our 12 years, we have never had to cancel a production and we are all extremely heartbroken to have had to do this, however everyone’s health must come first.
“But sadly, the theatre saying ‘the show must go on’ is not the case at this time.
“Our performers are very upset having rehearsed tirelessly for months to be ready to bring these shows to our loyal audiences.”
Lee is now concerned that without additional financial support, the future of the group is now uncertain.
“We survive from show to show and each must be a success and sell tickets so that we can invest in the next show,” he added.
“An average cost to produce a musical can be anything from £7,000 to £10,000 and without our shows going ahead we can not guarantee our future and worry that we will not able to move forward and put on another show.
“We have shows scheduled for June and October that may now also be cancelled, and even if they did not get cancelled, without ticket sales these shows will sadly not go ahead.
“The closure will hit us hard.”
Lee has now started an online campaign that aims to raise £5,000 for the group.
The money raised will be used to reimburse the damages left by the cancelled shows.
“The donations will help us pay the production bills and give us much-needed funds,” he told the Chronicle.
“This will help us continue, when we are allowed to, to bring live theatre to local audiences and give our members the opportunity to perform.”
To donate, visit the Go Fund Me website and search for LS Theatre Productions.
