Marton Players theatre group struggling to survive

Marton Players president Annie Whitfield with travelling thespian Chris Green. Photo / Lin Ferguson

Marton Players theatre president Annie Whitfield says trying to keep the theatre going is becoming almost impossible.

"We're not getting the audiences. It's sad because without backing from the local community it's impossible to keep the theatre afloat.''

The small wooden building, designed as a small theatre on Wellington Rd in Marton, seems to have lost the support of the community which now means any maintenance work on the theatre has had to be left.

"We just can't afford the upkeep. Without the community supporting us by coming to our shows it's become too difficult,'' Annie said.

In a letter to a community newspaper Annie wrote that the decision last week to cancel a performance of Sweet Dreams, with acclaimed actor Chris Green, had forced the theatre into a crossroads about its future.

"We hear so frequently that people are keen for the arts to be fostered in Marton but these words need to be backed up with action from our community.''

Annie said having to cancel because there were so few bookings had been a nightmare.

"If people are not interested we simply can't go on.''

The cancellation was particularly disappointing for actor Chris Green whose show in Marton last year, Coaltown Blues, was so popular an extra show had to be scheduled.

However, last week's cancellation had him wondering whether he could return to Marton, Annie said.

"It's part of Chris's passion to support the arts in our small and rural communities; it's how he earns his living."

''If we can't bring the audiences in, it's just too hard for for him to make a living.''

Chris had just finished a close to sell-out season of a new play in Wellington which he would love to bring to Marton as part of his national tour next year, Annie said.

"But if we want to attract this kind of theatre to Marton we need to be thriving and we're not.''

A meeting next month of the Marton Players committee would have to make the tough decision whether or not to keep the theatre open, Annie said.

A major business sponsor and a drawcard show would be the answer, she said.

"It's a beautiful little theatre and it would tragic to see it go. But honestly the maintenance is a real pain in the neck for us.''

"If the community want a thriving theatre here then they need to support us. It will mean they get great theatre at an amazing ticket price. It's a no-brainer really.''