An innovative new fundraising partnership between New Vic Theatre and KMF Group has doubled the benefit of the sheet metal manufacturer’s support for the theatre’s Christmas production, Treasure Island.
Following on from their successful partnership on the New Vic’s production of The Snow Queen in 2016, KMF have teamed up with the theatre to lead an innovative approach to sponsorship. Investment from the Newcastle-under-Lyme engineering company has been made on condition that it is used as a matched funding incentive for the theatre’s recent sound and lighting appeal.
The theatre’s fundraising appeal, which has raised funds to update and replace outdated technical equipment in the auditorium ahead of the Christmas production, has been boosted by KMF’s support, helping the theatre to reach its initial target. Almost £25,000 has been raised by the campaign.
Formed in 1971, KMF is still under the management of its founding directors and employs more than 400 people in Stoke-on-Trent. It has grown into one of the UK’s largest and most successful sheet metal manufacturing plants. Committed to quality, investment and innovation KMF provides contract manufacturing solutions to a diverse range of industry sectors.
Fiona Wallace, New Vic Managing Director, said: “We are so grateful to KMF for their continued support of the New Vic. They are a company who are committed to investing in the local area and the community and their generous investment into our lighting and sound appeal will directly benefit the Christmas production this year. Allowing us to double donations made by theatregoers, their support has enabled us to reach our initial target in time for Treasure Island. We are expecting over 40,000 people to join us for Christmas this year and KMF’s support will help ensure they all have the best possible experience.”
Nadine Rowley, KMF Group, said: “KMF are proud to support the New Vic with their Christmas production for a second year. Supporting the local community is very important to us and with this new fundraising partnership, we were able to help the theatre invest in much needed lighting and sound equipment, which will help future proof art and culture within our city for many years to come.”
Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic family adventure, Treasure Island, runs at the New Vic from Saturday 18 November to Saturday 27 January. Adapted and directed by New Vic Theatre Artistic Director, Theresa Heskins, the production promises to be an adventure the whole family can enjoy, filled with swashbuckling sword fights, live-on-stage music, humour, puppetry and lots of excitement.