Sir Ian McKellen launches fundraiser for Backstage and Front of House staff

Photo credit: Andy Parson

Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on the entire theatre industry with many unable to return to work. And without any form of government assistance, people are finding themselves in an extremely perilous situation. However, veteran actor Sir Ian McKellen today announced that he will be raising money to support such workers. The initiative will help provide financial aid, counselling and basic essentials for backstage and front of house staff. 

The Theatrical Guild has been providing help for theatre workers for over 100 years and at this difficult time, their services are in high demand. McKellen and TTG hope to raise £80,000 for those in need, with £40,000 worth of profits from his one man show Stage: With Tolkien, Shakespeare, Others and You! already being donated. Fundraising platform, The Good Exchange, has also committed to matching each £1 that is given. 

McKellen remarked: ‘’Many people who work in the theatre industry have seen their livelihoods disappear due to the Coronavirus lockdown. I, for example, have received a distressing letter from a stage manager who is facing eviction from his home and can’t access government relief. I’ve directed him to the Guild’s website.’’ 

The manager of The Theatrical Guild, Adam Bambrough, said: ‘’These individuals are the unsung heroes of every staged performance, without whom there would be no shows. Their variety of skills from creating costumes, operating lighting rigs, and running the box office, to photographing the shows are what make theatre performances possible. Yet, most are low-paid, self-employed or on zero hours contracts so many, through no fault of their own, have fallen between the gaps for Government support.’’ 

You can find out more about The Theatrical Guild and donate by clicking here. You can also apply for aid through the same link.