COVID cost: 189 live performances/screenings cancelled at just one venue

She anticipates The Spring will need to find £175,000 over the next three years for its longer term future.

But she is drawing encouragement from the fact that we are actually seeing right now unprecedented enjoyment of the arts.

“I find it really interesting that during the lockdown people have been enjoying their culture like never before to get them through, the live streamings and all that has been happening. Appreciation for culture has really exploded, so it would be really nice if the government supported organisations like that. This is what community is all about.

“We have had some really lovely messages from people saying that our communications during the lockdown have been the light at the end of the tunnel, and we have had people saying there will be queues of people wanting to come back. There are lots of people that really cherish what we do, and I really believe the Spring has an important role to play in what we are going through.

“We can entertain, but arts and culture can also really help people to process the tragedies. And I really hope that as we look to the future when we can start to use public spaces again, we can really build on those connections.

“There is a really important role for organisations like ours. We are a hub for the community, and that won’t go away. We just have to harness that at the right time. I am really looking forward to a future where we can make exciting things happen. The Spring doesn’t belong to me or to the team. It belongs to the community, and I am looking forward to having lots of conversations with people about what they want to see us doing and how we can make them feel safe in our space. I really believe the future is bright if we can get through all the financial stuff.”

And there the challenge is a big one: “We have had a huge amount of support from our audiences. 20 per cent of people are donating their ticket money for cancelled events. And we are applying for money all over the place. We have got a big application going in to the Arts Council this week.

“So yes, we will survive this next little bit if we are successful with some of those applications. But I think two years down the line will be more difficult. Over the next three years we will have to find £175,000. That’s the loss we are expecting to make in future years as a result of funding cuts and audiences not coming back to full capacity.”

Sophie believes theatres won’t be quick to return: “A closed theatre space is not going to be high on people’s priorities, and when we do come back, it will be to a recession. We are confident we can get through this, but I know the next couple of years will be very difficult. But actually in some ways trying to raise money now is going to be easier than trying to raise money in 18 months time.”

When they do get back, possible social distancing – potentially reducing the venue’s 137 capacity by a third or a half – will make some shows unviable. There is also the fact that the venue’s toilets are reached down a narrow corridor: “There are going to be so many things to think about.”

The venue shut its doors on March 17: “And we have now cancelled everything through until the end of July, and that was pretty devastating. From March 17 until the end of July, we will have cancelled 189 live performances or film screenings; 175 workshops; and 1,350 hours of community activities. Where possible we are trying to reschedule, but obviously we don’t really have any clear any of when, if ever, we will be back to normal.

“We have furloughed 75 per cent of our staff and the remaining five members of our team have all taken pay cuts.”

But comfort comes from the strength of community around them – monthly Zoom book club meetings, streamings, online events and the spirit of their 113 volunteers with whom they are keeping up very regular contact, Sophie says.

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