There’s a hole in the budget dear Rachel

A hilarious rendition of the classic comedy song “There’s a Hole in my Bucket” was one of the highlights of a special fundraising variety show at Sheringham Little Theatre.

Staff members Robert Briggs and Hannah Smith shed their front-of-house and commercial managers’ roles for the spotlight as they put a local slant on the 1960 hit by Harry Belafonte.

But just over a week later Chancellor Rachel Reeves added a further twist for the theatre – by putting a hole in its budget.

A combination of employers’ National Insurance contribution rises and a higher minimum wage announced in her Autumn Budget is adding an estimated £25,000 to the charity-run venue’s running costs. But efforts are already under way to try to plug the gap.

Theatre director Debbie Thompson said: “It’s a double whammy for us – and a huge amount for us to try and find, after battling to survive the pandemic, the cost of living crisis and lower-than-expected summer season ticket sales which showed people have less to spend on leisure activities.”

There were no easy savings or cost cuttings as the charity run venue is already as streamlined and thrifty as possible, relying heavily on volunteers, she said. And another concern was that the national Budget impacts would also affect local businesses and their ability to sponsor the theatre.

The sell-out variety show raised a timely £3000, thanks to the performers – mainly professional with links to the venue – who gave their time for free. The show went down so well it is hoped to do it again next year.

The theatre’s plight has been passed on to MP Steff Aquarone with the hope of seeking an exemption for small charities.

In the meantime it is asking its Friends and Members for a rise in their fees, which have not risen for several years. The recent annual general meeting gave its backing to proposed increases which Debbie said would “help plug the gap.”

There are also plans for more fundraising events, amateur shows, and events in the Hub coffee bar such as a murder mystery, music and a silent auction.

At the AGM theatre president actor Suranne Jones urged local people to do their bit by giving raffle prizes which Debbie added was a “simple thing to do that also helps.”

Meanwhile the venue is gearing up for its Robin Hood panto season, and local people will get a taste of the action at Sheringham’s upcoming festive switch-on event, Sunday December 1, when show director and Sheriff of Nottingham “baddie” Nick Earnshaw will be turning on the illuminations.

And during the afternoon build-up the venue will host a Santa’s Grotto for the first time – from 1pm to 5pm on the stage. Admission is £5 per child with a chance to meet Santa and get a Christmas goodie bag.

On December 8, at 4pm, the venue hosts a carol concert by the Sheringham and Cromer Choral Society. More event information and tickets here