Sunshine is our worst enemy, says community theatre group leader

For many the unusually long stretch of fine weather has been a pleasure. But this spring's seemingly endless sunshine has not been great news for theatres, which rely on ticket sales to survive.

- by Harriet Sutton

Guiseley Theatre community interest company (CIC) director Jacob Phillips says the sun has been their "worst enemy".

"As soon as the sun comes out, ticket sales have plummeted.

"August we shut our doors. That quiet month is getting earlier and earlier. It is not normally May - May is normally busy."

Originally built as a town hall in 1867, the theatre has been a cornerstone of the community for over 150 years, used as a cinema, hospital, library and fire station.

In 2019, Guiseley Theatre CIC assumed a lease, which renews every six years, driven by ambitious plans to enhance the venue and secure its long-term future.