A declining audience, dwindling interest and zero press had turned this local theatre into a dead space. The solution? A radical new programme was created and supported with an inventive new brand and marketing campaign. It’s not just a logo, it’s a library of logos, and a living, breathing, adaptive campaign.

By constantly changing, and not having any reference to theatre, art, or music, the logos invite the audience to question the role of the organisation. What could the Playhouse be? You tell us.

COMMUNICATION CAMPAIGNS

Designing everything from volunteer posters to campaigns to increase the number of hires from external organisations is no mean feat, and the tone of voice needs to change radically from audience to audience. A cheeky, northern voice spoke to the immediate community, whereas a more savvy, knowledgeable approach was taken when talking to hiring companies in the venue brochure - but it's all bound together with a quirky, innovative and altogether unusual feel.

The Playhouse wardrobe sale was a particularly good success, being operated on a shoestring budget to raise much-needed funds for the organisation. We couldn't afford a big media spend, so we turned to social media. Creating a background from cardboard boxes and photocopied text, our DIY aesthetic resonated with local volunteers, who came down to a 'dress up evening' and were photographed in front. The images were then used throughout our online campaigns and particularly in social media, where the volunteers tagged themselves and spread the word virally - leading to a fantastically busy sale!

The Playhouse wardrobe sale was a particularly good success, being operated on a shoestring budget to raise much-needed funds for the organisation. We couldn't afford a big media spend, so we turned to social media. Creating a background from cardboard boxes and photocopied text, our DIY aesthetic resonated with local volunteers, who came down to a 'dress up evening' and were photographed in front. The images were then used throughout our online campaigns and particularly in social media, where the volunteers tagged themselves and spread the word virally - leading to a fantastically busy sale!

RESULTS

The on- and offline interest generated resulted in a huge increase in audiences over the relaunch period despite a shoestring budget.

Due to results such as a 100% increase in web traffic from rebrand implementation and throughout launch, to particular successes such as the 2950% ROI on the wardrobe sale marketing, the Playhouse has continued to work with twentyfiveandahalf on a regular basis.

twentyfiveandahalf also built and maintained the Playhouse e-bulletin, growing the list from scratch into over a thousand subscribers receiving fully-branded HTML updates every two weeks, with comprehensive built in metrics on list growth and open rates.

WEBSITE

Currently in development, this innovative, custom-built website has been designed with strategy in mind. In the current funding landscape, we’re showing how Arts organisations can take the lead in thinking laterally to grow their audiences. To hear more about how an effective web strategy can transform an organisation, drop us a line.

A WORD FROM THE CHAIR...

We're always really happy to get positive feedback from our clients, and like to shout about it! The Chair of the Board wrote us a glowing recommendation:

"When meeting with other organisations and individuals, the Playhouse branding, marketing and design never fails to receive a favourable mention, and has been a significant factor in raising our profile over the past two years.

When given a specific brief, whether that be to market venue hire within the building or the sale of second hand costumes, twentyfiveandahalf develops a concept with innovation and flair, and executes the campaign to perfection. In particular, their work with social media has been a huge asset to us.

I would have no hesitation in recommending twentyfiveandahalf in any capacity - not that they need my recommendation, as their work and results speak for themselves."