Owners of a popular theatre bar have issued an appeal to its customers to help keep it afloat as it continues to tackle rising bills.
Simon Naylor, creative director of 53two said the current climate has made it increasingly difficult to run the venue and customer support is vital to "keeping us alive as an integral arts hub". He is asking people to share their cause on social media, visit the venue and donate one pound a week to help it through tough times.
The bar and theatre, which is situated on Watson Street in the Grade II-listed tunnels beneath Manchester Central opened in 2021 after moving from their first home in the old Bauer Millett showroom, which they hosted shows, plays and events at since 2016. The site lay empty for a decade, but Simon - a former Corrie actor - venue manager Alex Maxwell, and their team lovingly restored and preserved it.
Read more: Twelve Manchester organisations to share nearly £1m in council grants
The charity also designed the space to be accessible, with plenty of room for wheelchairs and prams. In 2022, it's plans to build on this with a 'Changing Places' toilet facility - one of only a handful in the city - was put on hold after its bid of £200,000 was turned down by Arts Council England.
In the latest video shared to the theatre's social media pages, Simon and Alex told their followers: "You’ll have seen we’ve got some really exciting stuff coming up and we’ve got plenty more to shout about, but for now we’re asking for your help.
“As you know everyone is struggling right now with bills and the crazy cost of living, not least venues. For us, our energy bills have increased almost 100 percent. Our business rates, discretionary relief have been removed, increasing that by 20 percent and we’ve been unsuccessful in our ACE and Greater Manchester Combined Authority applications.
“Now this isn’t different to most venues who aren’t recipients of the wonderful support from the city and government, but we only have certain avenues that we can pursue to keep our doors open.
“And these all, unfortunately, involve you. Sorry about that. But don’t panic, it won’t cost anything you can’t afford.”
Simon and Alex went on to explain five steps which followers could take to support the venue, ranging from spreading the word about 53two on social media and dropping by for a coffee, to giving £1 a week and sponsoring one of the venue's historic bricks.
They added: "So here’s how you can help - number one, on social media, support us by sharing our posts, recommending us to your mates and just helping us get people through our door. Number two, come in yourself, and grab a coffee or a beer or a wine. It is a great place to come and meet, work from, socialise and of course, watch theatre.
“Three, we’ve launched a brand new scheme, called ‘Giz’ A Quid’, for this we’re asking for those who can afford it to donate one pound a week. This isn’t a great deal, but we have 11,000 followers and even just a small fraction of those subscribing to this would make a huge difference.
“And number four for those who can afford a little bit more, we are selling our bricks. Not literally of course. As you know our stunning arches contain hundreds of bricks and we would love those who can afford to sponsor one. This is a recommended donation of £40 and you can have your inscription on that brick in the venue to enjoy every time you pop in."
The fifth option urged followers to head down for the venue's gala on Friday, where Mancunian poet, performer and writer Tony Walsh will perform a new poem penned for 53two. Alex added: "For those who can afford a little more, why not head to our gala night for Bricks on 24 March.
"Tickets are limited and are £15 but when you’re here you’ll get to watch legend Tony Walsh perform his brand new poem written entirely for 53two. On the night there will be the chance to buy one of 53 screen print copies signed by Tony himself and there will also be two personalised screen prints and we can’t wait to share the stunning poem.
“So a few options there and if you can’t afford any, please do share, tell your mates, retweet and keep the love going. Without you we’d be nothing, and right now we really need you.”
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Simon said: "Tony is a Manchester legend and one of our patrons, and he was inspired to write a call to arms as he’s massively behind what we're doing. Hopefully his poem will live with us forever - it’s a Manchester-spirted poem about the city but also the inclusivity we offer here and how 53two is a space for everyone.
"It’s an immensely difficult time to run a venue, theatre doesn't make a lot of money, and while beer does, even that has gone up. We've missed out and been refused funding, so any support is vital to keeping us alive and going on as an integral arts hub."
The news about 53two comes as twelve Greater Manchester organisations were told they would share nearly £1 million in council grants over the next three years. In all, £939,982 will be shared between Brighter Sound, the Castlefield Gallery, Community Arts North West, Contact theatre, Hope Mill Theatre and Manchester Histories.
Also benefiting are Manchester Jazz Festival, Manchester Jewish Museum, Manchester Literature Festival, Odd Arts, Reform Radio, and Venture Arts. The grants have been awarded by Manchester City Council, which invited organisations to bid.
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