Harrogate Theatre postpones major live show after new lockdown decision

New lockdown: Harrogate business leader warns of 'economic crisis'

Having taken the decision to reopen the main auditorium for in a Covid-secure way for the first time in seven months after winning substantial financial support, the theatre was looking forward to presenting Reece Dinsdale - Reece's Pieces on Saturday, November 28 , albeit with a long list of Covid-secure measures and a much-reduced capacity.

Now the exciting evening has been postponed until next year.

Harrogate Theatre's chief executive David Bown said the theatre had taken the decision not to present the show starring actor, director and Emmerdale regular Reece Dinsdale digitally instead as they wanted it to be a truly special event.

Mr Bown said: "We thought about doing it online but he would prefer to do it in person."

From the beginning, Mr Bown has taken the view that the Covid crisis would impact on the arts for a longer and in a more drastic way than many had hoped.

Having closed for the first full lockdown, Harrogate Theatre took the decision not to try to partially reopen when lockdown eased in August to focus instead on taking no risks and securing its financial future - even cancelling its hugely successful annual panto.

Despite success in raising £750,000 from various Government arts support grants and its own emergency appeal from the public, Harrogate Theatre was still forced to take the incredibly tough decision to make 60% of its staff redundant in the face of the overwhelming fact that from March 2020 to April 2021, it will have lost a total of £3.7million in ticket sales.

But the theatre's safety-first strategy of budgeting for being dormant until at least next spring seems to be one that is working.

As a result, it says it has not been fazed by news of the second lockdown, though it does feel sorry for other theatres which had been on the verge of launching panto productions.

David Bown said: "The Government's announcement means no change for Harrogate Theatre.

"We planned for this. The future reopening of Harrogate Theatre really depends on what happens in the first quarter of next year and, also, when we can get back to full capacity.

"That depends, also, on the audience having the money and appetite to return.

"But I really feel for those who were due to start rehearsing panto next week."

How to support Harrogate Theatre Emergency Appeal

Make a donation

You can do this online via www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

Buy tickets to future shows

You can see what’s coming up and book online at www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk

Join Harrogate Theatre's White Rose membership scheme

From just £30 you can join our exclusive pre-sales club and enjoy a range of other lovely perks.

If Harrogate Theatre has to cancel or rearrange any future shows, please consider donating your ticket fee (or part of it)

The notification email you will receive will make it easy for you to choose which option you would like to take.

Sponsor a Seat

Here's your chance to sponsor a seat in Harrogate Theatre’s wonderful 120-year-old auditorium and secure an invitation to an exclusive seat sponsor thank you event coming up in 2021.

There are currently a limited number of seats available.

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