ACTORS and audiences at the Merlin have been enjoying shows with extra pizzazz this year after the Lights Up! campaign, which is still raising money, saw new sound and lighting equipment installed in January.
The theatre on Bath Road brought its stage into the 21st Century earlier this year, when new light and sound technology was installed in the first major upgrade since the venue opened in 1975.
However, the fundraising is not over yet. The theatre is making a final push to try and raise the remaining £5,000 to pay for the improvements.
Artistic director Claudia Pepler said, “The work has already noticeably improved the quality of the shows for both company and audience, and the lighting rig is now safer for our staff and visiting companies to work from.
“Please remember to keep popping the pound in a pot after each show or donate online. This upgrade brings us up to date with technology, hopefully to last the next 40 years!”
The project, which has seen an upgraded gantry, new moving LED lights and a replacement sound desk, was completed with help from a £64,000 grant from the Arts Council and contributions from Bath’s Theatre Royal and the theatre’s audiences and supporters.
The final amount of the theatre’s £20,000 contribution is being raised in an online fundraiser at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ merlin-theatre-lights-up, or donations can be made at the theatre.
The next major fund-raising event – the Merlin’s glamorous Spring Ball in the walled garden of Orchardleigh House on Saturday 14th May – comes complete with Strictly Come Dancing stars and is in aid of both the Merlin and Papyrus, a charity which works to prevent young suicides. More details can be found at www.merlintheatre.co.uk
Theatre volunteer Brenda Bannister said, “The new equipment means sound quality, visuals, creative freedom and audience enjoyment will be greatly improved for youth groups, workshops, in-house productions, touring companies and all those who come to enjoy them.”
