The Treason Show

Hello! I am the founder of The Treason Show and we are facing a continuing battle to survive due to a heavy increase in costs, such as marketing the show and now having to hire venues we perform in (Ironworks) which is becoming increasingly expensive.

We used to work on the basis of box office splits or fees but venues are struggling too so they have passed these costs onto the companies such as small, independent and unsubsidised groups like us. We have no other venue option after previous venues have closed so this is the only game in town for us right now. Also, the cost of marketing the show and cast fees have had to go up to retain our fabulous performers and pay writers who are also facing the cost of living crisis, let alone keep a roof over my own head. It's getting increasingly difficult to keep the show on the road so we are (very reluctantly) having to crowdfund again.

We've been lucky so far, thanks to previous sponsors and indeed, without the current support of Gareth Davies at Dental Build Ltd we wouldn't even be here now. (I nearly had to cancel shows and have had to pull tour dates in a severe cost-cutting exercise). We have also previously received support from many wonderful supporters over the pandemic period for which we are so thankful. However, audience numbers have not yet returned to the pre-pandemic levels and the cost of greed crisis is hurting everyone. This leads to a feedback loop, the lack of funds means a tiny marketing budget which in turn hurts bookings, which leads to ever-decreasing revenue. This spiral means The Treason Show is fighting for survival yet again. So, if you can support us in any way, we'd be mightily grateful. The show has been running for 23 years now and we are hoping to make it through to be able to celebrate 25 years of the show in 2025. But of course we need to keep going somehow, to get through to the end of the year, hence this appeal.

Thank you.

Mark Brailsford

Creator of The Treason Show