Guiseley Theatre Statement Coronavirus (COVID-19)

2/9/2020

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It is 5 months since that awful day in March when we took the decision to close the Theatre – we had no option, virtually all our users cancelled their regular bookings because of the developing Coronavirus Emergency. Indeed had we not closed voluntarily we would have been forced to close by Government policy one day later as the whole country went into lock down.

 

The country had never experienced a peace time emergency like this and we did not realise for how long this situation, now identified as the Covid-19 Pandemic, would last and how we would all be affected.

 

Theatres and Community Centres, like ourselves are now allowed to reopen subject to several restrictions and I am delighted to be able to inform you, our user groups, that we intend to start a phased reopening on Monday 14th September, details of which will be sent to our regular hirers. Unfortunately due to social distancing requirements we will not be able to support any staged productions until spring next year.

 

Our team of staff have now returned from furlough and will be happy to answer any questions and take bookings where possible via info@guiseleytheatre.org.

 

When you return to the building you will see that we have been very busy during lock down, particularly in our ground floor area with redecoration of the Lehar and Offenbach rooms as well as the stage door corridor, back stairs to the stage and kitchen anteroom. We have also refurbished the two rooms under the stage as well as the Strauss room which is now very much geared to dance and rehearsals. I am sure you will agree that our efforts have improved our facilities and very much enhanced our lovely Victorian building – I think Sir Matthew William Thompson would have been delighted to see that we cherish his original vision!

 

We look forward to welcoming you back to Guiseley Theatre.

 

Chris Ingram

Board Chairman

Guiseley Theatre CIC