Milford

one Shoreside has not staged previously.

Bell says Shoreside does not typically rely on grants for staging its productions, only for capital items, so box-office success is important for its viability.

“If you want to support your local theatre group get tickets to a show,” he says.

Meanwhile, the PumpHouse itself is back in action and cleaned up after the floods. Insurance claims are being considered, but due to the age of the building a claim may not proceed because the excess may be too high.

Bell, who is also the theatre’s business manager, says the PumpHouse has spent around $5000 in the wake of flooding in late January and early February. Carpets needed cleaning and areas sanitising after water entered the building, both on the ground level and upstairs. Sandbags were also bought and some seating incurred water damage, as did sections of chipboard flooring which needed replacing.

A full assessment of the heritage building was yet to be completed by owner Auckland Council, he said.

The Friends of the PumpHouse is raising funds to replace older seating in the theatre.

A planned fundraising movie night was cancelled last week due to slow ticket sales, which Bell put down to uncertainty with the weather and people currently being hesitant to plan ahead.