A Holloway theatre offers a warm space as a way of supporting the community amidst the cost-of-living crisis.
The Pleasance Theatre on North Road is ready to open its doors as Christmas approaches. Laura Schofield, theatre manager, spoke about how when they introduced a “warm space” last year, people were able to use it to get out of the cold.
Schofield said they planned to encourage this again that “anyone can come in and sit in our sofa area and get a tea or coffee, we want to welcome anyone who needs shelter from the cold” continuing “it’s just about making people aware that we are here, and our door is open.”
The Pleasance Theatre showcases drama and comedy work and advocates support for young emerging actors and directors, however, its current theatre manager is now keen to establish better connections with its local neighbours.
Schofield said: “There is a lot of grassroots action in Islington and in the immediate area, we want to be a part of it and support other arts or community projects as much as we can.”
Schofield added: “It’s a challenge how we balance promoting our London space when we’re only mainly operational here for 10 months of the year.”
During August, the Pleasance Theatre directs their attention to its three sites in Edinburgh for the Fringe Festival. Schofield said, “Fringe is a fantastic opportunity for us, but I’m keen to get more involved in our local area. It’s something we’re definitely working on.”
The Pleasance appeals to their local audience with discounts for locals and being involved in local advertising for promotion. They also have good connections with Lumpy Hill, a local children’s centre which the theatre invited to a performance recently. Schofield expressed she was eager to “let people know we are here” and that “we have a lot of first-time audiences.”
See Pleasance Theatre for more information on upcoming shows including the highly anticipated Gwyneth goes Skiing – opening 13 December 2023.
