Coronavirus: Arcola Theatre suspends all performances and appeals for donations

Dalston’s Arcola Theatre has announced it is suspending all performances indefinitely to “avoid contributing to the spread” of coronavirus.

The theatre, a registered charity that costs £1.5 million a year to run, warns that its future is at risk and has appealed to the public to make “any donation” possible to to help ensure its survival.

A statement by the theatre’s founder Mehmet Ergen and his team reads: “The impact of COVID-19 is a critical threat to Arcola and to the livelihoods of all those who work in the arts.

“Most of Arcola’s funding comes from people like you, coming to see our performances. Without these performances, the vast majority of our income is gone.

“But we do not believe that it is practical or responsible for us to stage shows while people’s lives are at risk. We will be contacting affected ticket-holders shortly.

“We are determined to survive, to retain our dedicated team, and to get our shows back on track as soon as possible. So we need your help urgently.

“Arcola Theatre is a registered charity, and any donation – large or small – will ensure that our theatre stays thriving, long after this crisis is past.”

If you would like to help, please visit the theatre’s donations page here