Sixty per cent of Coventry Belgrade’s annual income now comes from its commercial outlets—a ten per cent increase on the previous year.
The figures are contained in the Belgrade Theatre’s annual report, which shows the theatre’s commercial set building company achieved a record turnover of £414,638 in 2013-14.
The Belgrade says since the theatre reopened in 2007 after a £12 million refurbishment it has tried to become less reliant on public funding. It has staged events and conferences and introduced commercial theatre workshop programmes while its set-building operation has attracted commissions from companies across the UK.
The Belgrade’s executive director Joanna Reid commented, “we’re very proud of the success that the theatre has achieved in repositioning itself since its reopening in 2007.
“To be able to report another year of growth in all areas including audience numbers and ticket sales is a fantastic achievement and fitting testimony to the ongoing commitment and support of our funders, stakeholders and staff.
“We’re proud to be such major contributors to the economic and cultural life of the city and to be responsible for generating £6.2 million back into the local economy.’’
In the past year, attendances have gone up by 12% to 164,300 and the theatre has staged 434 performances of 70 productions, five of which were the Belgrade’s own.
The annual report is available at the Belgrade’s web site.