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Little Shop of Horrors Update
In response to the Prime Minister’s statement this evening advising the UK public to avoid unnecessary social contact, including visiting theatres, the Reading Operatic Society Committee has been working with the trustees of The Kenton Theatre on how to proceed with our production of Little Shop of Horrors, due to open on Wednesday 18th March 2020.
As of the evening 16th March 2020, The Kenton Theatre have informed us that the Theatre has to respond to UK Government advice and with immediate effect will be closed to audiences in order to protect patrons, staff and volunteers. We fully support this decision, though of course we are devastated that the Covid-19 pandemic means our production cannot proceed.
You may have seen our update that we had our get-in and band call yesterday. The set, sound and lighting is all in place and the programmes are printed. The Cast, Crew, Creative Team and Committee have invested a large amount of effort and funds into the production, so it is with a very heavy heart that we postpone our production of Little Shop of Horrors after months of hard work.
As you will appreciate, this announcement has come suddenly after the change in government advice at 5pm today. The Committee are now reacting to these changing events. We will be working with The Kenton Theatre on specific communications for ticket holders and this will follow as quickly as possible this week. We’ll also be announcing future dates for our production of Little Shop of Horrors as soon as we are confident of the way ahead. Of course, we are determined to deliver the show to a packed audience and know that the hard work has not gone to waste.
Please do bear with us, as our efforts are all entirely voluntary and we will be working through this situation as quickly, with as much clear and transparent communication as we can. We know that this is a difficult time for many, not least those in performing arts. Thank you so for your support in difficult times and we hope that you all stay safe and healthy.
Reading Operatic Society Committee