Norwich Theatre and Lost in Translation Circus present INTERLUDE – a six-week programme of live performances and participatory activities delivered in a temporary venue in Chapelfield Gardens (Norwich) from Mon 10 Aug – Sun 20 Sep 2020. The event is supported by Norwich City Council and Norwich BID.
Featuring an exciting mix of comedy, music, circus, cabaret, magic and family shows alongside morning and afternoon participatory activities for all to enjoy, INTERLUDE is produced by Norwich Theatre in partnership with Lost in Translation Circus, whose large-scale big-top tent will form the temporary performance venue.
The event will open with Norwich favourite Karl Minns and will include the transfer of many shows originally intended for the Playhouse summer season, including Mark Watson, Arabella Weir, Round the Horne, Ben Hart and Graffiti Classics. The event will also see new shows especially for INTERLUDE from Theatre Royal & Playhouse regulars Jimmy Carr, Joe Ringer Band and many more big names.
In addition, the six week programme will feature cabaret and circus performances for all ages from Lost in Translation Circus with international guests. With support from National Centre for Writing and Norwich Puppet Theatre, further events will be programmed by other arts organisations in Norwich, including Norfolk & Norwich Festival, The Garage and Norwich Arts Centre who will be presenting Luke Wright, Christina Alden & Alex Patterson, The Shackleton Trio and more. The whole line-up will continue to grow and be updated daily via Norwich Theatre’s website and social media channels.
With most activities and shows currently on hold at each of the participating venues due to the pandemic, INTERLUDE marks a truly unique city-wide cultural collaboration in the UK and a crucial first step in restoring live performance.
All performances and activities will be presented in compliance with the latest Government’s guidance and regulations. Audiences will be recommended to wear face coverings and specific control measures, which will be reviewed regularly, will be in place to mitigate the risk of the spread of Coronavirus – these include:
• Reduced venue capacity to ensure social distancing of 1m+ can be maintained
• Online or over the phone sale of tickets only to avoid physical contact
• Use of e-tickets to reduce contact and ensure compliance with track and trace
• Lifting of the sides of the tent to ensure optimum ventilation
• Thorough cleaning of the performance and auditorium spaces and other areas
• Increased sanitisation and cleaning of toilet facilities
• Bars operating a pre-ordering and dispense system via the Norwich Theatre app
• Shows will all play without an interval to ensure social distancing is not compromised
INTERLUDE is the next instalment of Norwich Theatre’s During the Interval programme, a series of truly unique and different events, programmes and interventions bridging the gap between closing its doors in March until its venues are able to properly re-open again. This series began last week with the re-opening of the Playhouse Bar which includes a creative conversion of the much-loved stage at the Playhouse into a relaxed new lounge area.
Stephen Crocker, Chief Executive of Norwich Theatre, said: “After a prolonged period of closure, we are delighted to be able to bring live performance back to Norwich and to be working together with some of the city’s other much-loved cultural organisations to do so. As we all continue to live with COVID-19, the gradual easing of restrictions sees the return of many hugely valued areas of life, from eating-out to sport to shopping. The return to attending live performance still feels out-of-reach but, through Interlude, we hope to bridge that gap in a unique and, most importantly, COVID-secure way that not only delights our regular audiences but sees our city centre come alive over the summer, generating important visitors and footfall for the benefit of the whole economy.”
Massimiliano Rossetti, Artistic Director of Lost in Translation Circus, said: “It’s been a great pleasure to work with such an amazing creative team to bring this beautiful event to Norwich, reminding us of the importance of live theatre. Personally I’m also very happy that I will be able to perform again with my company Lost in Translation Circus and make people smile once again. Interlude will bring together Norwich like never before.”
Cllr Alan Waters, Leader of Norwich City Council, said: “This is really welcome news and testament to the excellent collaborative working we have in Norwich. Arts and culture play an incredibly important part in the life of the city, not just economically but also in terms of how we feel about ourselves. This will be an important step in letting people experience live shows again in a managed way, and in helping our arts venues to plan for the future.”
Stefan Gurney, Executive Director of Norwich Business Improvement District, said: “We all know and love Norwich for its outstanding arts and cultural offer, and – over the last four months – the city has really missed its theatre, music and performance venues. Norwich BID is proud to sponsor this extraordinary project, and to be working in partnership with so many of Norwich’s much-loved cultural organisations. Interlude represents a new chapter for Norwich, but more than that, it is a testimony to the power of collaboration. I hope that this project will be a sign of hope for the arts sector, not just here but across the UK. We can’t wait to safely welcome audiences back to our city.”
Ticket bookers for shows being transferred from the current Playhouse programme will be contacted directly by Norwich Theatre Box Office to move their bookings to an equivalent INTERLUDE performance.
INTERLUDE runs from Mon 10 Aug – Sun 20 Sep 2020. Newly programmed shows and activities will continue to be announced throughout the week and will be on sale w/c 3rd August.
All tickets will be available online at norwichtheatre.org or via Norwich Theatre Box Office on 01603 630 000.