Save our Stage (SOS): Bring back The Poly Theatre

by The Poly in Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom

Total raised £15,950

raised so far

+ est. £1849.75 Gift Aid

215

supporters

Help us complete the final phase of repairs to our much-loved theatre, so we can fully reopen it for our wonderful community!

by The Poly in Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom

We're still collecting donations

On the 5th August 2022 we'd raised £15,712 with 209 supporters in 35 days. But as every pound matters, we're continuing to collect donations from supporters.

 New stretch target

An extra 10,000 will help us buy new stage equipment, improve our dressing rooms, and make further repairs to the auditorium and seating, helping ensure the future of The Poly stage for future generations!


About The Poly 

The Poly sits at the heart of our community. So much more than a beautiful historic building and arts centre, it represents a place where people can come together to create, perform, and share life-affirming experiences.

Housing two art galleries, guild shop, theatre/cinema, café/bar, historical archives, and a state-of-the-art pottery, offering courses and kiln-firing, 'The Poly' is an artistic hub with a long heritage.  

Operating on limited funds, The Poly takes pride in its position as a treasured asset showcasing the work of local artists and performers - as well as hosting visiting companies and creatives from further afield.   As a creative hub, one of The Poly’s core values is to nurture local artistic talent in our community, from all backgrounds and disciplines, to create new opportunities and experiences.

After a long period of Covid enforced closure, it’s been wonderful to welcome everyone back to The Poly to enjoy our growing calendar of events and exhibitions. We’re also thrilled to now be back open for film screenings, bringing to Falmouth the very best in independent cinema, however our stage is one area of our building we haven't been able to reopen fully, and we need your help to do so!

Our Theatre

As well as film screenings, The Poly’s 180-seat theatre, hosts a wide range of performances including plays and musicals, family shows, comedy, live music, and talks.

Intimate and full of character, our theatre allows customers to soak up the atmosphere and get close to the action as they enjoy some of the best and most innovative touring acts.  Nothing compares to seeing an event live, and The Poly is Falmouth’s go-to venue if you love absorbing independent entertainment with a flair of originality!  

The Poly is also very much about bringing our community together, with an emphasis on growing local talent. Our theatre allows us to fulfil our commitment to house local productions and nurture performance skills. Many children and young people have made their first appearance on our stage, allowing them to build confidence and ability with the support of a warm and receptive local audience cheering them on.   

        “On the very day we moved into our house in Falmouth we attended a performance at The Poly. It was such a joyful introduction to our new home. The performance transported us to other lands while we remained ensconced within the wonderful community spirit of The Poly theatre. Alexandra Lamont, New Resident

       "The Poly is a wonderful part of Falmouth's culture. We love the live comedy, films, art shows, community events and the friendly staff. Thank you very much for enriching our lives and really looking forward to experiencing more live theatre at The Poly." Vanessa Roebuck, Blackbird Pie

       “I cannot tell you how many shows we have been talking to in the last few weeks that we wanted to bring, but we can’t because there isn’t the right size venue spaces in Falmouth. The Poly is exactly what we need to be able to showcase local and national talent. We absolutely need The Poly as we grow our production company to collaborate together to offer local audiences and visitors to Falmouth the most exciting cultural offers in radical, accessible and contemporary local, national and global theatre.” Gabby Vautier, imPOSSIBLE Producing 

       “The Poly’s theatre is not only crucial as part of a regional touring spine in the South West, but for audiences and performers there is no venue in Cornwall that provides as intimate or engaging a performance space. It is a very special room, and perfect for theatre, dance, stand-up, music, talks, and lectures. There is a reason it is so loved by performers, the connection offered with the audience in that space is unique.” Ciaran Clarke Near-ta Theatre

Why we need your support

Post pandemic, The Poly Theatre is one area of the building we’ve not been able to fully open. 

During our Covid-enforced closure we began some much-needed renovation works, including removing and safely disposing of asbestos materials recently identified in the backstage area of our theatre. While we funded much of this work through Poly reserves and assets, we need your help to meet the cost of the remaining repairs to the area affected. We also need to upgrade necessary electrical systems in our theatre.     

Unfortunately, we cannot open our theatre for stage performances until we complete this important work. 

What the money will help us do…

To bring our theatre back into full use, we need to:

Reinstall and update audio/visual systems for live music and theatre events

  • Install a hearing loop to be used for all events in our auditorium
  • Replace the curtains and ropes on stage
  • Repair and redecorate areas affected by asbestos removal 

To help us achieve these goals we are looking to raise £15,000 from our friends, supporters, associate artists, and customers. 

Can you help us? Anything you can donate, however big or small, will make a difference.  

If all of our friends and supporters could give whatever they can afford, this will enable us to achieve our target and open our theatre back up - for you, your family and friends, and our community. 

Together we can make this happen!

Thank you. 

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Rewards

This project offered rewards

£500 or more

A private screening in our cinema

How about a private evening watching your favourite film on the big screen with your family, friends or colleagues? Enjoy exclusive use of our Cinema with a screening of your choice* *Film license included in cost provided film is available for booking. Selected date must fall Sun – Weds (excludes Thurs-Sat).

£5 or more

Falmouth Colouring Map

An illustrated Map of Falmouth designed by one of our artists Marta Patti for adults or children to colour in.

£5 or more

Three booklets all about The Poly's rich history!

Founding The Poly Cornwall's House of Inventions The Poly Dipping Needle Compass

£15 or more

A Poly branded mug

Why not get yourself a Poly branded mug as a lovely keepsake of your favourite local venue?

£20 or more

A Poly branded tote bag and mug

Show everyone you're a Poly supporter with our branded tote bag and mug combi.

£20 or more

A 1hr session on our grand piano

The chance to tinkle the ivories in The Poly's Main Gallery.

£20 or more

A linocut print by our Guild Artist Becky Haughton

Own a stunning linocut print: Kumo 2022 - one of a limited edition of 20. On awagami okawara paper, 18cm x 14cm

£25 or more

Poly tote bag & an illustrated bone china mug

A Poly branded tote bags containing an illustrated bone china mug, featuring exclusively licensed designs by some of our Guild Makers.

£50 or more

A pre-screening slide with your visuals & message

Why not surprise someone close to you with a personalised on-screen message before one of our films? Whether it's a special birthday wish or the chance to ask an important question...! (For one screening of your choice).

£100 or more

A cameo in Near-Ta Theatre’s Christmas show!

We’re offering people the opportunity to have a one-night cameo in Cornwall’s longest running Christmas show, Near-ta Theatre’s Christmas. Time, playing Frank, the prison guard! You will also get to watch the show that night. Or perhaps you'd like to offer this as a unique early Christmas present for someone special!

£100 or more

Bronze Supporter

A very special thank you on social media and 1 pair of complimentary tickets for our theatre opening month.

£250 or more

Silver Supporter

A very special thank you on our Theatre's opening night, plus 1 pair of complimentary tickets during the opening month.

£250 or more

Digital Caricature/Cartoon of Yourself

Digital caricature/cartoon of yourself or a person of your choice (photograph to be supplied) by Tracey Dockree as an unframed A4 giclee print. For examples of the illustrator’s work visit astoryintshirts.co.uk.

£400 or more

'Personality differences in teams' mask workshop

‘Negotiating personality differences in teams, using mask work.’ with Andy Peisley, Falmouth University. One workshop, for up to 16 people. • Understand a basic model of personality • Identify & reflect on their own personality preferences • Explore differences between personality preferences & how these can impact on teamwork • Play with strategies for dealing with people with different personality preferences from themselves.

£500 or more

Gold Supporter

A very special thank you on our support board, plus 1 pair of complimentary tickets during our theatre opening month.

£1,000 or more

Poly Life Membership

Be forever at the heart of The Poly family by joining us as a Life Member.

£15 or more

Hometown Creative Journal by Hannah Bevan

This creative journal, by Falmouth-based Hannah Bevan, is designed to help you see and experience your hometown or city in a bright new way. It’s filled with exercises to inspire mini adventures, mindfulness, connections with nature, sustainable living and community spirit.

£30 or more

Poly Membership

Join the Poly family! Not only will you be helping us, you'll also get to enjoy our membership benefits package.

£60 or more

A one-to-one Pottery Throwing Workshop (2hrs)

A fabulous opportunity to enjoy personal tuition from Karl Owen at The Poly Pottery.

£60 or more

Throwing Workshop with Lucy Joines in her studio

A 2-hour throwing workshop with one-to-one tuition from Lucy Joines, with all materials and firing included. To take place at Lucy's studio in Mount Hawke.

£60 or more

'Seaweed' in blue, unframed print by Lesley Harry

Beautiful screenprint by our Guild Artist Lesley Harry. The image size is 31 x 31cm, paper size 40 x 40cm. Take a look here - https://thepolyguild.org/collections/lesley-harry/products/tree-lesley-harry

£75 or more

Jewellery making workshop with Lucy Spink

A one-to-one workshop (2 hours) in which you will create a textured silver ring. All materials supplied. To take place at an agreed time, before October, at Lucy’s studio overlooking the Penryn river.

£96 or more

Sterling Silver Acorn Necklace

A Sterling Silver acorn bespoke necklace handmade by our Guild artist Hannah Mary.

£100 or more

A pre-screening slide with your visuals & message

A great opportunity to advertise your business to our audiences! (Limited to 20 screenings).

£120 or more

Moth and Moon Bottle Ceramic Vase

A beautiful ceramic decorative vase from our Guild artist Lucy Joines

£210 or more

A limited print from our Guild Artist Mike Brett

'This house has been far out at sea all night' limited edition print by Mike Brett. Unframed, screenprint and acrylic. Take a look here - https://www.michaelbrett.art/printsdraft/michaelbrettthishousehasbeen-21

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