A couple of weeks ago, we launched our Chip In: Crowdfunding Campaign for Chip Shop Chips. It’s the first crowdfunder we’ve done for some time (six years?!?) and we’ve been overwhelmed by the response so far. We’ve raised over £500 (20% of our overall target) already.
But why are we doing all this? Last year we toured Chip Shop Chips and completely sold out each and every performance on a five-week tour. We attracted audiences across the North to village halls, community centres, chip shops, libraries and labour clubs, bringing chippy teas, Northern Soul, a quiz and heart-warming love stories to the heart of local communities. It was a huge success.
However, there was nagging feeling that with the show’s broad appeal, we could go even further. By breaking bread and breaking barriers, we could engage more hard-to-reach audiences, young people and community groups and inspire them with the magic of theatre. So, when we decided to re-tour Chip Shop Chips – this time for seven weeks and across the UK next Spring – we wanted to put new audiences at the heart of our plans.
We love this show and want to make it as open and as accessible as we possibly can. This time round, we want to remove financial barriers and offer 10% of the tickets (around 250) across the tour for FREE. We’ll offer brilliant groups such as Chorlton Good Neighbours – a charity that supports isolated older people over the age of 60 – free tickets and a fish supper in their Hall. We’ll deliver bespoke inter-generational workshops bringing young people and older people together. We’ll deliver two special Dementia-friendly Performances for people living with Dementia and their carers. We’ll offer two Open Dress Rehearsals with chip butties to local community groups in Manchester – including the Booth Centre (who help homeless people rebuild their lives) and Expressive Edge Theatre Company (for adults with learning difficulties).
All this costs money and we need your help. We’ve got a couple of months to raise another £2000. We love the idea of people coming together and chipping in to collectively help other people. Each donation makes a tangible difference – a fiver pays for a chippy tea – and brings us a step closer to inspiring new audiences. By donating, you’ll be paying it forward and helping someone tuck into a fish supper and enjoy Chip Shop Chips at local venues on their doorstep. So please do chip in, tell your friends, share this blog, post on social media and help us hit our target.
On Friday, by way of a thank you, we’re launching our #SoulAdvent – 24 days of festive soul – to get you in the mood for Christmas and inspire people to donate. Follow us on Twitter – @bottc #SoulAdvent – as we reveal Christmas classics throughout December.
And remember: Chip in, it’s good for the soul! (or should that be *sole*?)
Thank you.
Adam Quayle, Director