Month: March 2020

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 18^th March 2020.

As of the evening 16^th 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

We are very excited to welcome audiences to experience our production of Little Shop of Horrors at The Kenton Theatre from Wednesday 18th March 2020. We realise that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates may be on the minds of many. The Committee of Reading Operatic Society has been closely monitoring developments surrounding COVID-19, taking into account UK Government Guidance. As of 14th March 2020, advice is that there is no medical justification for event cancellation or postponement.

We are aware that details surrounding the outbreak are changing frequently. The Cast, Crew, Creative Team and Committee have put a large amount of effort into the production. Our main priority is of course the health and safety of all those involved in putting the production together as well our audience members.

Please rest assured, that should there be any updates or changes, we will continue to update you via our Social Media Channels and Mailing List. Our cast and crew are looking forward to the get in and band call on Sunday, leading into our show week next week.

We continue to monitor the developments, taking into account public health guidance to provide a safe and enjoyable production for all.

Reading Operatic Society Committee

With music from Alan Menken (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast, and Aladdin), we’re sure that there will be plenty of songs to keep you humming for weeks after!

Want to find out more about our production?

• Watch a video interview with Angie B and our creative team and cast
• Listen to a teaser of the cast singing Little Shop of Horrors
• Read an article on the Henley Herald, Reading Chronicle or Wokingham Paper
• Listen again on Marlow FM to Nicky Jaggar and Thomas Joy being interviewed by Bridget Biggar

There is less than a week until our opening night of Little Shop of Horrors! A reminder that we have a few offers available. If you haven’t bought your tickets yet? What are you waiting for!

• Opening night (18th March), £14 all seats
• Saturday Matinee (21st March), £17 all seats
• Tickets for the remaining evening performances are £17 (concessions) and £19 (adults)

You can purchase tickets online at The Kenton Theatre website, or call their box office on 01491 525050. You can find out about the cast and creative team on our website.