SALISBURY Playhouse has suffered a huge loss of revenue in recent months, and city councillors are now warning we must “use it or lose it”.

The issue was raised at Monday’s full council meeting, when Councillor Sam Charleston, who is chairman of the events, markets and grants sub-committee said the Playhouse was in a precarious position, and warned: “If they go, they will not come back”.

This news comes as the theatre puts final preparations in place to this year’s pantomime Cinderella, which is one of the biggest productions in the Playhouse’s calendar – this year returning after a three-year pandemic hiatus.

The pandemic has had a devastating effect on the theatre’s revenue, and it is not returning to pre-covid levels.

Cllr Charleston told the Journal: “They [Wiltshire Creative] work extremely hard to make sure that plays are as good as can be and their programme of events is top notch.

“My experience is that low ticket sales are happening with other theatres too and that people are not buying advance tickets,” continued Cllr Charleston. “This is no reflection on Salisbury Playhouse, it is a national issue, but residents should use it or lose it.” He added: “The best way people can support the theatre is to buy tickets.” Salisbury Mayor Cllr Tom Corbin said at Monday night’s meeting that it has been a struggle to get people to return to pre-pandemic routines, such as attending the theatre. He told the Journal: “The Playhouse puts on first-class performances and is a real treasure in Salisbury’s wonderful offering of entertainment venues. I know Covid has impacted all aspects of social life. “I encourage people where possible to go out and enjoy the city’s entertainment as there’s nothing more enjoyable than joining together to watch a live performance.”

Speaking on Monday night, cllr Annie Riddle said she has been to the last four productions at the Playhouse and has been “amazed” at the high level of quality.

A spokesperson for the Salisbury Playhouse said: “The pandemic has had a devastating impact on audiences around the country, including here in Salisbury, they are slower to return than we all would have hoped.

"This has, in turn, resulted in a huge loss of revenue through ticket, food, and drink sales, which support the running of the whole organisation.

“In addition, Wiltshire Creative’s utility costs are due to increase by 400 per cent and inflation is now at 11 per cent.

“We are extremely grateful to receive funding from the Arts Council England, Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council but the dramatic rise in the rate of inflation, as well as the rocketing cost of utilities and materials, continue to eat away at that funding.”

Wiltshire Creative is working hard to ensure the future financial security of The Playhouse.

One way you can support Salisbury Playhouse is by buying tickets to this year’s pantomime which starts on November 26, running through until January 8, 2023.

To buy tickets and for more on the forthcoming Cinderella pantomime, visit wiltshirecreative.co.uk