Final curtain for one of Yorkshire’s most successful theatre companies as it is ‘no longer viable’, says director

This is no dress rehearsal: there is ‘great sadness’ as one of Yorkshire’s most popular theatre companies calls time after many years touring the region.
Endellion Theatre Company is 'no longer viable', says director.Endellion Theatre Company is 'no longer viable', says director.
Endellion Theatre Company is 'no longer viable', says director.

Set up in Thurlstone near Barnsley, the non-professional Endellion Theatre Company has called the final curtain after many years of touring.

Director Jonathan Walker-Kane, a barrister in his professional life, has said that the company is ‘no longer viable’, despite having a show ready this time last year.

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Under the direction of Jonathan, the company enjoyed a string of acclaimed shows including ‘A Man For All Seasons’ at the Sheffield Cathedral and ‘The Boyfriend’, ‘South Pacific’, ‘The King and I’ and Alan Bennett’s ‘Talking Heads’ amongst many others at Buxton Opera House.

A production of 'Evita' by Endellion Theatre Company, famous in the Yorkshire region for its non-professional shows.A production of 'Evita' by Endellion Theatre Company, famous in the Yorkshire region for its non-professional shows.
A production of 'Evita' by Endellion Theatre Company, famous in the Yorkshire region for its non-professional shows.

Jonathan, who has directed performances for other companies at the popular Sheffield Lyceum, has now said that a primary sponsor has had to pull out from supporting the company, and so it will be no longer possible to put on the performances.

He said: “Our primary sponsor has been very badly affected by Brexit to the point where it is no longer viable to support the company.

“Finding another sponsor in the current economic climate is impossible so it is with great sadness that the company is ceasing to perform.

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“Endellion Theatre Company has been a fantastic platform for some of the north’s finest actors and singers and I am proud of the great range of work we have produced.”

Jonathan directed Endellion’s acclaimed revival of musical classic ‘Oliver’ at the Church of St Giles in the Field in London’s West End, and also brought Holocaust drama ‘Taken at Midnight’ to Penistone Parish Church here in Sheffield.

There were also successful productions of ‘Man of La Mancha’ at Leeds City Varieties and ‘Tell Me on a Sunday’ and ‘Evita’ at Theatre Impromptu, the specially converted St Saviour’s Church in the group’s home of Thurlstone.

Endellion’s last production, a lavish revival of ‘My Fair Lady’ in Thurlstone, was brought to a halt by the COVID-19 pandemic just days before opening night.

Jonathan added: “Our thanks too to our audiences who have supported us at all our venues and appreciated the great choice of drama we brought to Yorkshire and Derbyshire.”

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