PODS Fights for Survival: Buy Tickets, Volunteer

0:00It's April 8th. Welcome to Entertainment and celebrity news today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. A 125-year-old amateur theater group in Peterborough is fighting for survival as rising living costs crush ticket sales. The Peterborough Operatic Endramatic Society, or PODS, runs two shows a year as a self-funded charity with zero government help, but they've seen a sharp drop in attendance this year. Costs are skyrocketing for everything from venue hires to costumes and props, forcing them to raise ticket prices just to stay afloat. Without selling out nearly every seat, they can't break even on these passion projects. Fundraising manager Hannah Ogden, who's been with the group for 11 years, blames the squeeze on everyday folks' budgets. She highlights how members from all walks, paramedics, teachers, nurses were hers twice a week, with some involved for over 60 years. It's their lifeline, a creative outlet that keeps them connected. The group pours heart into high-quality

1:02productions purely for love, drawing diverse backgrounds together on stage, but losses are mounting, threatening the magic they create. They're urging the community to show up by tickets or volunteer rehearsals and shows to keep this local gem-shining for generations.