Ten years ago.

It was exactly ten years ago to the day. In the parlour. The parlour at the Bubble is where ‘confidential’ conversations happen. Appraisals, resignations, announcement of happy events, tears, honesty, brilliant ideas.

November 15th 2007. Four of our Board members had been up town to meet with officers of the Arts Council. They returned and took the two co-chief executives to the parlour. I was one.

They had been informed there was to be a recommendation that funding to the London Bubble would be cut…as of March 31st 2008…in four months. This funding plus another linked grant and the box office they generated amounted to 81% of our turnover.

We were numb, in shock. The trustees were faced with closing the company. They were potentially liable for any outstanding debts. All 10 staff would be made redundant. The summer shows and projects would be no more. If I had any emotions they were a mixture of anger, fear and shame. 

The letter confirming the recommendation arrived the week before Christmas. By that time our feelings had been channelled into campaigning. In mid January the committee would meet. The festive season turned into a mustering of support.

Alliances were made with other threatened companies. Representations were made by audience members and MP’s. One young girl got into an exchange of letters with the director of the arts council. We tried to remain level headed and to allow our audience to speak for us. As a result we learned.

We didn’t reverse the recommendation. (I think if we’d gone with the idea of having our petition delivered by postmen running down the Thames in Zorb Bubble balls, it would have tipped the balance, but we didn’t).  

Fast forward ten years. Last Saturday I was able to present a position paper to our board and staff at our away day. It explained how we are delivering more theatre now than we were before the cut. How we have 5 legs to our stool rather than the one, how we attract…..

But no. That’s for another time. 

For now, let me just raise a small glass to out supporters. To those who funded us to develop our projects. To my great colleagues and the brave trustees who chose not to take the company into administration. And to my predecessors who created the Bubble and its reputation. 

Oh… and to luck.