The Show Will Go On Again…
The Show Will Go On… Every sector is under enormous pressure in the current climate, the arts and entertainment industry more so than most but entertainers are eager to tread the boards once more.
Theatre Royal
As a theatre run by an amateur company, with no employees, the Theatre Royal has not been financially affected in the same way as professional theatres. Artistically they were affected when their production of ‘Di and Viv and Rose’ was cancelled, which was scheduled the day after lockdown was announced.
However, they have not been downhearted or idle and ‘Di and Viv and Rose’ by Amelia Bullmore is being rehearsed on Zoom and is ready to go when given the go-ahead. They are hoping that a Youth Showcase (Together) and the Christmas production of Blackadder 3, will still take place.
Two plays (Whodunnit by Antony Shaffer, and Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice) have had rehearsals cancelled but have been rescheduled for 2021. The group has kept in touch with members and the administration of the theatre has continued on Zoom. Everyone is looking forward to reopening.
The Theatre Royal Youth (TRY), has been especially active during this period and have participated in Company Three’s ‘Coronavirus Time Capsule’ project, which will provide a video memory of this unprecedented time: www.companythree.co.uk/shows
The Playgoers await advice on when they can open and the Theatre Royal advises patrons to check their website, www.theatre-royal-workington.co.uk for the latest information.
Carlisle’s Green Room
It was a difficult year before COVID because of the demolition of the Central Plaza Hotel where access to the West Walls Theatre was limited. We are hopeful the latest Government initiative to help the arts sector will provide some benefit.
The theatre is silent and we have taken the opportunity for maintenance work. The government announced we could open but that only applies to the bar which poses problems of distancing. However, members have been resilient, ready to open the doors and bring up the curtain… but only when the time is right.
In the meantime, we wish to thank members and audiences for your patience. We appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back.
Solway Hall
We are classed as a music hospitality venue and can’t host events or large weddings. We wait for government advice but are discussing how we can open in the future.
Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to apply for any grants as we didn’t fit the criteria, a fundraising party for our 5th birthday was also cancelled and with a huge decrease in income through lack of ticket and bar sales we are appealing for donations through our ‘Show Must Go On Campaign’. We are also running a campaign to recruit volunteers and promote our facilities when we reopen. To learn more about our campaign please check our Facebook page: The Solway Hall Whitehaven or Twitter: @thesolwayhall
We would like to thank everyone who has helped and if you would like to donate please visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/The-Show-Must-Go-On or contact our fundraising team on 07722589859 or [email protected]
Harraby Community Centre & Theatre
We have been busy putting our new COVID measures in place so we are ready to open as soon as guidance allows. We have missed everyone who supports us and can’t wait to welcome everyone back. For further updates follow us on – Facebook & Twitter or www.harrabycommunitycentre.org.uk
Rosehill Theatre
Rosehill Theatre remains closed but ‘The Green Room To Go’ has launched a two-course menu available to order online between Monday and Wednesday. It will be prepared and cooked by our chefs and packaged for you to collect either Friday or Saturday. You’ll find heating instructions to serve at home. The menu will change regularly and we hope it will expand.
We have also begun drive-in performances, the first featured our good friend Steve Wharton, who performed in the car park while everyone watched from their vehicles, with the sound broadcast to their FM radio!
We’re exploring new ways to reach our audiences and are hoping to present concerts in the auditorium to a distanced audience which will be recorded and streamed. We’re also looking at how we make our performances available to schools, hospitals and care homes.
We want to hear about people’s experiences of the pandemic and are developing a community storytelling project. Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates and sign up to our email newsletters. We look forward to being able to lift off the dust sheets and welcome you back soon!
You have missed Cosmic Studio Theatre in Carlisle- we are happy to share our experience with your readers- drop us an email for more details of our plans to reopen for socially distant events 😀