Rising from the Ashes

The dramatic turn around of Exeter Little Theatre Company

Just 2 years ago, Exeter Little Theatre Company (ELTC) were in a desperate situation. The possibility of losing their company and premises was almost inevitable, had it not been for the incredible hard work of the new committee and dedicated members to turn things around.

Like so many amateur companies, the pandemic had a huge impact on the company. Their first venture back into the theatre was in April 2022, with Calendar Girls The Musical, but with illness amongst the cast and production team, three performances were lost. Coupled with low audiences following the pandemic, they saw a significant loss on the production.

The company began to lose money prior to the pandemic. Many shows hadn’t been selling as well as in the past, but by the AGM in July 2022, membership had reached an all time low and in 2021, and 2022, they tried to put on their annual pantomime without success. It was time for a big change.

With a loss of around £33k over the previous 5 years, the small committee of just 5 called an emergency meeting Dec 2022. The meeting was well attended by both past and present members. The committee explained the financial situation and asked for input. By January 2023, it was clear that the company needed to be taken in a new direction and therefore a change of leadership was necessary. The newly appointed chairman and committee promptly set about putting together a programme of shows that they judged should sell well and that members were excited about, as well as carefully planning production budgets. The committee also looked at all outgoings including utilities and how their money was invested to make sure they were getting the best value.

Since then, every one of their productions have made good profits, with Nativity! The Musical being their most successful production to date; not only being completely sold out, but also for winning ‘Best Comedy Production’ at last year’s NODA awards.

With their exciting programme of productions, as well as reinstating regular social events and workshops for members, their membership has now grown from just 20 to 140, ranging from junior members of 7 years old, to more mature members in their 70s and 80s. Their youth group has doubled in size and rather than losing money, it is now making a profit.

As of this January, the company have now recovered all of their £33K losses and, all of this in just 2 years, meet the target they'd set themselves a year early!

Last year, was ELTC's 70th anniversary which they celebrated with a summer ball in July. Now with the company firmly back on track, they are looking forward to a more secure future and who knows, perhaps another 70 years at least!