Thieves steal Playhouse collection money (From Salisbury Journal)

Thieves steal Playhouse collection money

5:51pm Tuesday 22nd January 2013 in News By Jill Harding

MONEY donated for the much-needed refurbishment of the Salisbury Playhouse toilets has been stolen.

Collection “drainpipes” where theatre-goers were asked to “spend a penny” and help raise the £60,000 needed to improve the facilities were smashed open last Wednesday or Thursday.

Money was stolen from both the male and female toilets after the thieves broke off the padlocks on the drainpipes and emptied them.

Salisbury Playhouse, which is a registered charity, is raising funds for its Access All Areas campaign to make it easier for disabled people to go to the theatre.

The cramped toilets have long needed a make-over and the drainpipes were a way of drawing attention to the appeal as well as raising money.

“We don’t know how someone could stoop this low,” said development manager Alison Pascalidis.

“It is very disappointing that the generous donations from our customers have been taken. This is a setback to our fundraising campaign but we will continue with our efforts towards improving our facilities.

“Not only have these drainpipes been a useful way of raising money, with £500 donated since we put them up last summer, they have also let our customers know about our plans to improve the toilets.

“People have been very patient with us, we know that the work is long overdue but we need to raise the funds.”

Signs have been posted on the broken drainpipes asking people to take any donations to a collection box at the box office.

The pipes were emptied regularly and the Playhouse is unsure how much money was taken.

The theft has been reported to Salisbury Police and anyone with information can call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Anyone who would like to support the Playhouse’s Access All Areas campaign can call Mrs Pascalidis on 01722 345160.