Pay as you Play

Lowther Pavilion General Manager Roger McCann was so blown away by a company he saw perform at Edinburgh Fringe Festival a couple of years ago that he has decided to put his money where his mouth is.

Roger is so sure that people will love Theatre Newfoundland Labrador and their play, With Cruel Times In Between, that he is inviting the audience to see the show and then pay what they think it’s worth.

He said: “I believe in this company so strongly that I’m inviting you to come and see them and then pay whatever you think they’re worth. That’s right – there’s no charge for the ticket; just pay what you think they’re worth at the end of the evening.”

The play, written by Sarah McDonald, is based on the writings of Al Pittman. The company’s website describes it as: “A lyrical and beautiful portrait of Newfoundland culture as painted by the rhythmic writings of one of Newfoundland’s most beloved poets, Al Pittman. Using selections from his poems, prose, songs, and plays, we demonstrate the culture of island life, threatened by technology, but which still remains as true to our spirit as the salt in our breeze.”

Roger added: “Once in a while you come across a company whose work just blows you away. That happened to me at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival a few years ago when I first came across Theatre Newfoundland Labrador. So when I was given the opportunity by Spot On, Lancashire’s rural touring scheme, to book the company for the Lowther Pavilion, I jumped at the chance and the company will be coming here on 27 April at 7.30pm as part of their 2015 UK tour.

“We think of Fylde as a rural area. Compare our population density of 460 people per square kilometre with that of Newfoundland Labrador of just 1.38 – less than two people per square kilometre! Isolation like that creates a remarkable community and this company magically brings that community to life.

“Give it a go. I’m sure that, like me, you’ll be swept away. And remember, the risk is all mine. The tickets are free and at the end of the evening you just give what you think it’s worth.”

There’s a challenge we’re willing to take up! To book your tickets for April 27, you need to call the box office on 01253 794221 because these tickets are not available online.