Coronavirus: Theatre Severn, and Old Market Hall’s cafe bar, to reopen in phased way

Theatre Severn and Old Market Hall Cinema and Café Bar in Shrewsbury have announced plans for a first phase of reopening this week. The popular arts venues, owned and operated by Shropshire Council, had both been closed since 16 March 2020 following guidance from the Government. 

The Old Market Hall will resume a Café Bar operation only with the creation of a new outdoor seating area in The Square. While the Old Market Hall Cinema will remain closed, a film programme will restart at Theatre Severn from today (Tuesday 4 August), in adherence with social distancing guidelines. The venue will operate at approximately 20% capacity and accommodate an audience of just over 100 per screening. The film programme opens with Sam Mendes’ BAFTA-winning war drama 1917, Disney family film Onward, and Military Wives starring Kristen Scott Thomas and Sharon Horgan.

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

David Jack, venues and programme manager, said

“We are thrilled to welcome visitors to the venues again. Our team have worked extremely hard to reach this point, which marks the first step on the road to recovery. We all recognise the need to adapt to current conditions and utilise our resources in new ways to reopen at the earliest opportunity. We have been hugely grateful for the support and patience from the community while we have put these new plans in place.

At the forefront of those plans is the safety of both customers and staff, and our visitors can expect to find several new measures implemented to observe social distancing, reduce face-to-face interactions, and to maintain enhanced hygiene within the venues, alongside the wearing of face coverings.”

Alongside the film programme at Theatre Severn, a series of workshops designed for young people have also been created. Devising Theatre is an exciting four-week drama workshop aimed at children 11+ commencing on Thursday afternoons from 6 August. For younger children aged 3-8 years, Princess Storytime will offer a fairytale storytelling experience on Fridays throughout August.

In line with the latest Government advice, live indoor performances will not resume until further notice, and ticketholders for scheduled live events are asked to await further updates.

To book tickets and for information on film screenings and workshops, further details can be found at www.theatresevern.co.uk.

Further information

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