Collage Voices has been hit by the cost-of-living crisis and is now turning to the local community for help, reports Miriam Balanescu

A Wood Green theatre has issued an appeal for help after financial difficulties means its space is at risk of being turned “into studios”.

Collage Voices in Wood Green has launched a fundraiser to allow it to continue its weekend programme in the face of rising energy costs and cuts to arts funding. This programme is offered to over 150 young people aged 7-30 years old.

HCP spoke to Collage Arts artistic director Steve Medlin who said that the theatre space was at risk of being turned “into studios”. He explained that the top floor of the building on Coburg Road, occupied by artists’ studios, is “money in, money out”.

“The ground floor [occupied by Collage Voices] doesn’t produce the same level of income. […] It’s a much tighter end line at the moment.”

Steve added that, aside from the financial pressures, the theatre’s staff are struggling to meet demand: “The need far outstrips our ability to serve in the capacity [that we would like].”

Collage Voices are now hoping to raise £20,000, with £1,400 raised so far.

Steve said: “That would secure all the weekend activities and weekday classes for the next academic year.”

In the last two years, 30 Collage Voices attendees have secured places at drama schools such as RADA, Guildhall, Lamda, and The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. The school’s patrons include Danny Sapani, Martina Laird and Phoebe Waller-Bridge and the space is regularly offered to new artists to develop upcoming projects.

Steve said: “As well as raising money, it’s about raising the profile of Collage Voices.”

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