All Shows At Princes Theatre Rescheduled For 2021
No live shows will be held at the Princes Theatre for the remainder of 2020.
The Clacton theatre, run by Tendring District Council (TDC), has already announced that its pantomime would be pushed back to 2021, and shows scheduled in since lockdown began had been re-organised as restrictions continued.
Now the Princes Theatre has announced no live shows will take place in 2020, due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding performance restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Customers with tickets are being contacted to advise them of revised dates for their shows, or of cancellation if this applies, in order of original show date and are asked to be patient while the Box Office completes this task.
The theatre will now concentrate on refurbishment works and operate as a wedding and events venue, while continuing to explore options such as live streaming shows and a festive event in December.
Alex Porter, TDC Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said the theatre would use the time as an opportunity.
“Though disappointing that we cannot continue to bring fantastic live shows to the Princes Theatre at this time, we will spend the time wisely,” Cllr Porter said.
“Refurbishment that is difficult to factor into a busy schedule can be completed, and the theatre can continue to provide high-quality event space and act as a wedding venue.
“We are mindful though of the impact this has on us and the wider arts industry, which is why our theatre managers are leading the way as part of a national Arts Advocacy Group to support theatre into the future.”
Although restrictions are about to be lifted permitting socially distanced audiences in theatres, many factors affect the theatre’s ability to put on a show. These include not only national and local restrictions in place because of Covid-19 for the venue, but also those elsewhere which can affect touring productions. Rehearsals are affected as well as performances.
To keep up-to-date with the theatre go to the venue website or to see how Covid-19 is impacting TDC visit the council’s Covid-19 web page.