Operatic group needs support

Newark Amateur Operatic Society is urging the public to support its productions to ensure the shows can continue.

The cost of staging its annual production now totals £45,000.

The society needs to sell at least 85% of available tickets to break even, but over the past three years has sold only 70%.

The chairman, Mr John Bendall, said that meant the society had to cover losses from its capital reserves.

He said the society, a registered charity, could possibly afford to take a loss again next year but its constitution meant it had to keep enough money to cover a complete loss — potentially £45,000.

He said continuing losses made that more difficult to guarantee.

“Managing the finances of the society is becoming more difficult as costs increase and our support from the public seems to be declining,” he said.

An extraordinary general meeting of the society was called to discuss the viability of continuing its shows at the Palace Theatre.

It was agreed that through increased membership contributions, reducing costs and with the help from the theatre management the society would go ahead with a production of Annie next year.

It was decided to stage it on five nights rather than six starting on Tuesday, March 19. There will still be a Saturday matinee.

“The aim of the Newark Amateur Operatic Society is to produce for Newark audiences shows that provide quality entertainment with local talent,” said Mr Bendall.

“We look to the public for support in our next production.”

The society is hoping people will become patrons or corporate sponsors.

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