Scots kids stage show FunBox under threat as closure of theatres hits hard

Scottish stage show FunBox is under threat after Covid restrictions have left theatres closed indefintely.

The children’s entertainment company are now asking for donations in a desperate bid to keep their heads above water as coronavirus threatens to pull the final curtain on the much-loved show for good.

The family-favourite has been entertaining children since 2015 when it was born as a spin-off of the hugely popular, The Singing Kettle, which ceased performing after 23 years when husband and wife owners Cilla Fisher and Artie Trezise hung up their mics.

Singing Kettle cast members Anya Scott-Rogers, Kevin McLeod and Gary Coupland decided to go it alone and started FunBox to keep Scots kids entertained for years to come.

However the group has been hit hard by Covid-19 as they struggle to bring in revenue because theatres have remain closed due to the pandemic.

Speaking to the Record, Kevin McLeod, who has been performing for children for two decades said he fears for the company’s furture.

He said: “We don’t know what’s ahead. Obviously we hope we can survive this, but it’s hard when we have absolutely no money coming in, but we still have a tax bill and other outgoings to pay. We are trying to stay positive but it could be very bad for us.”

Kevin said the company are about to miss out on one of thor busiest periods, Christmas when they tour the country putting on festive shows for thousands of kids every year.

He said: “I think like everyone else, we thought, just sit tight and we will see the spring through and be back on stage in the summer. Then we thought, ok, the autumn, now winter looks unlikely and we are just hoping theatres will be open by spring.

Whoever said parenting was easy was obviously lying. It can be such hard work! Luckily we now have a Facebook group for Scottish mums and dads to share their woes, worries and winning advice.

Whether you’re a new parent looking for answers or simply want to let off steam about the price of school uniforms today, our Scottish Mums and Dads Facebook group is just the place. You can join here.

“We will be losing a lot over Christmas, but it’s not just that, we hate to think of the kids who come to see us as part of their festive traditions. It’s just a real shame for everyone.”

The trio were dealt a further blow this week when their storage facility in Fife flooded and damaged thousands of pound worth of merchandise, props and equipment.

Kevin said: “When we went in there were boxes of stock just sitting inches deep in water. there’s a couple of giant speakers and some electrical equipment that was water damaged. We don’t know the extent of the damage yet but there’s a lot. I just thought ‘oh God, what next?'”

The FunBox team have now set up a fundraisng drive in an effort to keep the stage show going and are already grateful to the people who have donated.

Kevin added: “People have already given so generously. We hate to even ask but we are just trying to keep FunBox afloat.

“Some of us are lucky to have partners who are working and bringing in a salary, but for others in our crew it really is hand to mouth stuff. Some of our lightening ans stage crew have had to take jobs as Amazon delivery drivers, just to keep themselves going. It’s just a very tough time.”

If you would like to Help Save FunBox you can do so through Patreon or PayPal.