A statement from our Chief Executive Stephen Crocker following the latest government announcement on new tiers and regional restrictions:
The news that Norfolk is to be placed in the Tier 2 level of restrictions from 2nd December means both good news and bad news for Norwich Theatre.
The positive news is that we will continue with our plans to open Theatre Royal to the public on 16th December for our A RIGHT ROYAL CHRISTMAS season. All of the rehearsals and production work have continued as planned over the past few weeks in line with guidelines for the performing arts during the lockdown period. Whilst we acknowledge that a further review of regional tiers is due on 16th December, we will move forward with positivity and hope that this review will not adversely affect our plans to welcome limited audiences back at Christmas. However, if for whatever reason these shows cannot happen, please rest assured that all customers will be contacted directly and offered an exchange, credit or refund.
The disappointing news for us, as is the case for many other hospitality venues, is that our much-loved Playhouse Bar will remain closed for now. Once again, we live in hope that the next review might allow us to welcome customers back for some pre-Christmas cheer, but for now the Playhouse doors will remain closed.
We receive this latest news with a mixture of both sadness and gratitude. We send love, solidarity and positivity to our peer venues across the country and colleagues across the whole arts sector for whom the restrictions within the new tiers and this latest announcement represent devastating blows.
However, we also express our deep thanks to all of the key agencies here in Norfolk and every Norfolk resident for their hard work and sacrifice in working to fight the virus and prevent our county from being subject to harsher levels of regional restrictions right now. The fight is not yet won and this commitment and resilience is more important than ever if we are to ensure we now move forward rather than backward.
Norwich Theatre remains devoted to welcoming audiences back at Christmas and with a renewed energy to thank and reward the endurance of our whole county so far and the ongoing support from our loyal audiences. We hope that our A RIGHT ROYAL CHRISTMAS season will do just this with entertainment for people of all ages, an opportunity for some much-needed Christmas spirit and a live performance experience that is, above all, safe and COVID-secure.