Money for Mikron

THE waterways' theatre company, Mikron, has been saved from going under by a triple cash injection.

Extremely well known for its waterway related performances, but faced by ever increasing costs, the company was in danger of closing down, but has been rescued by help from various sources, Alan Tilbury tells us.

40th anniversary

The company of four travel the waterways in the narrowboat Tyseley, giving performances at waterside venues, with this year celebrating its 40th anniversary.  The photograph is of the group outside the London Canal Museum on the Regents Canal.

Money to keep the theatre in existence comes from donations from its many followers, but the economic slowdown has hit Mikron like other independent arts companies, so getting extra cash will keep it going.

Successful

The bid for funding from Esmeé Fairbairn Foundation has been successful as has a grant from the Arts Council England, together paying for day to day running costs and the development of two new scripts for 2013.

The third grant is from the Leche Trust, that will support the production of a new show.

Everything carried

Everything for the shows—scenery, props, costumes and musical instruments is carried on the narrowboat, allowing performance to be given anywhere where there is a navigable waterway.

The new shows for 2013 include Beyond the Veil, a crime thriller and Don't Shoot the Messenger, based around the history of the postal service.