Why We're Pausing Twisted Christmas This Year

Since 2010, 'Owdyado Theatre has brought inventive, alternative stories to village halls and small arts centres across the rural touring circuit. We've always loved the unique experience of performing to communities outside city centres and have been grateful for the warmth and curiosity our audiences bring-often packing out venues and offering feedback that’s shaped the show with each tour.

However, for the first time, we’re having to pause our Twisted Christmas tour. We want to be open with our audiences about why.

The hard truth is that making and touring theatre has become significantly more expensive year-on-year - while the funding and ticket prices that support small-scale touring have stayed much the same. Grants from national schemes - which are essential for making professional shows viable in rural venues - have not kept pace with rising costs. Many funds are now earmarked for specific projects like workshops, making it ever harder for village halls to host touring companies. Voluntary promoters do extraordinary work, but without the safety net of subsidised fees, taking risks on professional shows, especially outside the mainstream, is simply not feasible.

At the same time, the cost-of-living crisis means that venues are reluctant to raise ticket prices, and we are committed to accessibility for all audiences. Even running our lean two-hander show, with short rehearsal periods and modest fees, we cannot meet costs without subsidy or venues willing to raise ticket prices far beyond what’s reasonable for most local communities.

We have explored every avenue - including applying for project grants with proven audience support and a strong track record, but like many in the sector, have found public funding significantly harder to secure in the current climate, even with no negative feedback on our grant applications.

We are deeply proud of Twisted Christmas and the alternative it has offered to seasonal theatre in the South West for several years. The show’s absence this year is not for lack of passion or audience demand, but a reflection of tough structural realities. We want to see a future where distinctive, daring theatre can continue to reach rural audiences on their doorstep - not just in large city theatres.

We thank everyone who has supported us, welcomed us into their halls, and championed this kind of work. Please stay connected - we are determined to return to rural touring as soon as the economics make sense again.