This year marks the 50th anniversary of the rural theatre company, Pentabus. As part of their anniversary year, they have launched a campaign to sign up 50 businesses who will make a one-off donation to support their work producing new plays made with and for isolated rural communities with the least engagement in the arts.
Tanners Wine Merchant is the first business to sign up for the 50th anniversary campaign. The family-run business is an independent shipper of estate wines with branches in Shrewsbury, Chester, Bridgnorth, Hereford, Welshpool, and Llandudno Junction.
Chairman, James Tanner, said: “We are delighted to be part of Pentabus’ campaign to sign up 50 new businesses in their 50th year.
“At a time when funding in the arts has declined, it’s important to support the organisations that are keeping the sector thriving.
“We are privileged to have Pentabus in our region. They are one of the most esteemed national theatrical production companies, so it’s easy to forget they are a charity that needs our support. The local business community needs to get behind organisations like Pentabus who not only provide high quality productions but who also create pathways into careers in the creative industries for those underrepresented or young people in rural areas like ours.”
Pentabus is looking for 50 businesses to donate a one-off contribution of £500 towards the company’s work. In recognition of support, they will acknowledge each business in their printed play texts, which have both local and national distribution.
Businesses will be credited online and in their programmes for shows as well as on a wall of supporter fame which will be on display at Ludlow Assembly Rooms. They will also be invited to their 50th birthday events and receive a VIP invite to their touring show later in the year.
Cerin Mills, Fundraising Manager at Pentabus, said: “We are so grateful for the generous support from Tanners, and we hope it inspires more businesses to sign up! We are the only rural touring company that is committed to producing new work and tours to communities across the UK and beyond. Our work brings communities and young people together, bringing outstanding contemporary productions with sector leading creative teams, directly to isolated rural communities, as well as platforming rural stories in urban settings. Please help our charity to continue this important work.”
If you are interested in supporting Pentabus please contact Cerin Mills, Fundraising Manager on [email protected].