It will be curtain up at a new-look Rotherham Civic Theatre for the first time in 18 months on 3rd September.
It’s been a rollercoaster 18 months for the 60 year-old venue which, along with Theatres across the UK, was forced to close at the outbreak of the pandemic. The theatre has had to cancel or postpone scores of shows, with some staff redeployed to roles at Rotherham Council to support the Covid-relief effort.
But the team has also been busy preparing the Theatre for the return of audiences.
Thanks to the generosity of many people who donated ticket money from cancelled shows and financial support from Rotherham Council and the Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund, theatre-goers will be treated to a new look venue when it re-opens for its Autumn season.
Over £350,000 has been invested in new facilities, including a new coffee shop, a new relocated box office, refurbished reception area, new-look bar and the creation of smaller performance spaces for alternative shows, which will ensure the Theatre can host more events throughout the year.
Councillor David Sheppard, Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion at Rotherham Council, said; “The closure of Rotherham Civic Theatre has left a huge gap in the lives of so many people – both audiences and the dedicated staff who work there - so we are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming them back and can’t wait to show off the new facilities.
“We have the green light from the Government and Public Health to open in a safe manner, so we will be asking our audiences to take precautions when they visit, including wearing face coverings at appropriate times and washing their hands but we will be operating at full occupancy.”
Jo Longworth, the Manager at Rotherham Theatre added: “Theatres were amongst the first venues to close and the last to re-open – understandably so. But it’s been a tough time and there were periods when we thought this day would never come, but now we are so excited to be back with a fantastic Autumn season and lots of sparkling new facilities for people to enjoy.
“Our new welcome sign that greets you when you enter the Theatre says ‘’Nice To See You’… and it certainly will be.”
On such a big occasion for Rotherham, it’s fitting that it's a local performer, singer-songwriter Lauren Housley, who will star on the Theatre’s re-opening night on Friday 3rd September. Lauren will perform songs from her new album, Girl from the North – which was written and recorded just five minutes’ walk away from Rotherham Civic Theatre.
The Theatre will be offering a free behind-the-scenes look and entertainment on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th September as part of the re-opening weekend, which coincides with the Rotherham Show.
The opening week also sees Rotherham actor, writer, director Danny Mellor in his one man show, Undermined, and a celebration of Arthur Wharton’s rise to fame as the first black professional footballer.
Throughout the season new partnerships will be showcased including collaborations with Sheffield literary festival, Off the Shelf and the national Fun Palaces programme.
And the season will draw to a close with the much-loved pantomime Aladdin.
Further information and tickets details are available from the website www.rotherhamtheatres.co.uk