It is with deep regret that the management of the New Wolsey Theatre has had to make the extremely difficult decision to consult a significant number of its staff about possible redundancies. As custodians of a registered Charity and a publicly funded organisation, the Trustees and senior executives have a responsibility to do all they can to protect the long term future of the New Wolsey Theatre. It’s not financially viable to stage our existing productions until social distancing is no longer required. With a heavy heart we will have to cancel our current programme, including Jack and the Beanstalk. We will be arranging ticket refunds as soon as possible.
Over the last twenty years, with the support of our audiences, colleagues, funders and friends, the New Wolsey has become a thriving enterprise and entered the current crisis in rude health. Despite the difficulties we now face, and the very painful process of consulting about redundancies with a team of staff that have been loyal, hard working and super people, we are determined that we will steer the theatre through this crisis. It will require ingenuity, imagination, resilience and support from all sides – exactly as it did twenty years ago. It’s our twentieth birthday next year and, whatever the circumstances, we will find ways for us all to mark the occasion and look forward to many happy returns.