VENUE Cymru has confirmed it will stage its first live event since the start of the pandemic next month.
The popular Llandudno theatre, which has been used as a vaccination centre during the Covid-19 pandemic, will open with its first face-to-face show on September 5.
It comes after the Welsh Government lifted restrictions on the number of people who can meet at indoor events at the start of August.
A Venue Cymru spokesperson said: “We’re proud to have been able to assist the NHS in their remarkable vaccination effort which has enabled us to get to this point.
“We’re looking forward to our programme of live events and have been planning ahead since last March.”
Theatres around the country were the first to close amid the pandemic, and one of the only industries to have remained closed in their entirety over the past 17 months.
Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Picture: Paul Sampson
The theatre’s Box Office will reopen on site on September 1 alongside Catlin’s Café Bar. The Box Office had scaled back its staffing with all bookings moving online and via telephone with the rescheduling of more than 500 performances.
Venue Cymru hopes it can benefit from the surge in ‘staycation’ tourism in Llandudno as many people are expected to opt to holiday in the UK amid fears over travel and the spread of coronavirus over the coming months.
Sarah Ecob, Venue Cymru’s head of service, arts and culture, said: “That first night when we hear the announcement, Ladies and Gentlemen, the doors to the auditorium are now open and it’s time to take your seats it’s going to be very special.
“We cannot wait to welcome you back. The long awaited return of live events is almost upon us, and what a programme we have lined up we have for you – enjoy and thank you for your loyalty and support over the past 18 months.”
The first show will be ‘An Evening with Jane McDonald’ on September 5, originally expected to take place in June last year. This will be followed by events including the Rocky Horror Show starring Ore Oduba from September 13. The theatre’s annual pantomime will also be back in full swing with Aladdin and star John Evans, while hit musical School of Rock is also scheduled before Christmas.
Venue Cymru will open with their auditorium at full capacity and face coverings will required within the facility with the exception of diners in the restaurant area, people drinking in the café and bar areas and those who have a medical exemption.
Audiences will be encouraged to order interval drinks and pay with contactless payment wherever possible, and participation in track and trace will be encouraged from all attendees.
A theatre spokesperson added: “The safety of our visitors and our team members remains of paramount importance and we will continue to follow the advice and guidance from the Welsh Government. Once we reopen we will continually monitor our practises and ask our patrons for their feedback.”
Full listings for the entire and fabulous programme can be found at www.venuecymru.co.uk
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