Core blimey! Record year for Corby theatre

The popular venue, based inside the Corby Cube, has increased visitor numbers and has recorded a profit for the first time, according to its annual report to local councillors.

The report states that 2015/2016 saw the team at the Core engaging with a huge 58,470 audience members and participants - an increase of 5,000 people from the previous years.

It continues: “Sales compared to 2015 have seen a large increase. There are now 52 per cent of ticket sales taking place online which is marked increase from 38 per cent at the end of last financial

year.

“Fifty four per cent of tickets for live performances were sold at full price, with 43 per cent being sold as concessions, three per cent were complimentary.”

It is also estimated that the Core has had an impact on the local economy worth a huge £3.2m this year. This is up from £3m in the previous year.

And for the first time in its history, the Core has recorded a profit - although this will be ploughed back into the theatre.

The report says: “The end of year accounts for 2015/16 has reported an operating surplus of £50,565 which is the first time there has been a surplus since opening.

“This will help towards reducing the deficit from previous years which is planned to be cleared within three years. Key factors in this are the improved results from the programme, increased success at fundraising from trusts and foundations for educational activity and a small increase in donations from trustees.”

The total income for 2015/16 was recorded as £1,480,079 compared with £872,447 in the previous financial year.

The theatre also engaged with a wide range of community groups through its Get Involved Programme.

Their report said: “Though much of this work is delivered in a school setting, a significant amount happens on-site through our Core Actors, Core Dancers, Core Digital, First Moves, Sparks, and Ukulele group. “These groups have a focus on increasing skills and confidence and the priority is on quality performance.

“Maplefields school, were also involved in helping the Core develop its new touring show Romeo and Juliet.

“The Core is an Arts Award Centre and supporter and as a result 27 young people received arts awards in 2015/16 including 16 at silver and 2 at gold level.

“During 2015/16 the Core provided 35 days of work experience for young people and supported three paid internships and apprenticeships in creative learning and customer service areas.

“The participation statistics submitted to date do not include a range of projects and events that have taken place since the summer including the Gunpowder plot, Deep Roots Tall Trees and Danny Hero which have all encouraged participation from the Corby Community.

“A new organisation to the borough “Moving Together” aimed at over 55’s has started to deliver contemporary dance sessions on a weekly basis, this aims to increase physical activity lessons and is an alternative to exercise classes provided elsewhere.

“Comedy nights have continued to develop and are attracting larger audiences, music nights in the Lab continue to develop but both give opportunities for artists and musicians to perform to a range of audiences.”