Scunthorpe Theatres, which includes The Baths Hall and The Plowright Theatre, are slashing booking fees, making theatre more accessible to all.
From 2 October, booking fees will be slashed to just £2.50 for professional acts and £1.00 for community and amateur groups, marking a major step in improving the affordability of entertainment in the region.
This positive change is part of a broader initiative following the decision to bring Scunthorpe Theatres back under council management. This move aims to ensure that the venues serve not only as a platform for professional performers but also as a hub for community groups and local talent.
Councillor Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Bringing Scunthorpe Theatres back under council management allows us to align our cultural venues with the community’s needs.
“Reducing booking fees is just one example of how we can make theatre and the arts more accessible to everyone. We are committed to keeping culture thriving in Scunthorpe, and this is a vital step toward ensuring our theatres continue to serve the whole community.
“There is a cost to the council for ticket sales and we don’t make a profit on the venues.
“We have kept our promise to review the fees and to get a better deal for residents and I am proud that we have delivered just that.”
The changes come through the council launching a new booking system, Spektrix, which has additional benefits alongside the booking fee reductions – including allowing customers to book classes and workshops online and to create online profiles to make booking and paying even easier.
Councillor John Davison, cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said: “Lowering booking fees, especially for community and amateur groups, is a direct response to the feedback we have received from local performers and audiences.
“This reduction not only supports the professional acts but also enables more local groups to stage productions at reduced costs, which is critical for fostering local talent and ensuring theatre remains affordable for all.”
These changes reflect Scunthorpe Theatres’ ongoing commitment to supporting the arts and community, helping to create a vibrant cultural landscape for years to come.
To allow for the system changeover, the box office and all website sales will be closed from 11am on Friday 27 September until Spektrix goes live on Wednesday 2 October, when the website will automatically take customers to the new system.
All existing tickets will still be valid. Contact the box office on 01724 296296 or boxoffice@scunthorpetheatres.co.uk for more details.
