Staffordshire Theatre CoronaVirus Advice For Staffordshire Theatre Goers

The UK Government has today advised that everyone in the UK should now avoid “non-essential” travel and contact with others.

It was a terribly timed announcement, without any real clarity.   However as part of a range of stringent new measures, this does mean from today (16 March) people are being told to avoid visiting theatres where possible.  It would have helped if the government additionally explained what support was available to businesses and creative freelancers who are clearly going to suffer extremely badly from this, but we digress….

The outcome as of now, is that we are now seeing theatre venues across Staffordshire close their doors and theatre companies cancel shows.

This is a devastating blow to the theatre, entertainment and creative industry, potentially affecting not only the wellbeing and livelihood of performers, production crew and theatre staff of our region’s theatres, but also the hundred’s of local business that rely on the custom generated from theatre goers.

What you need to do

If this new arrangement affects you and you have purchased tickets for a show or have an exisiting visit to a theatre event in Staffordshire planned , in the first instance you should refer to the terms and conditions associated with the theatre or show for which you have purchased a ticket.

In almost all cases of a cancelled show, the venue or event organiser will be offering you a refund.  But please bear with them.  it may take a day or two for them to organise around this new guidance.

How you can help

Some theatres may alternatively or additionally offer you the opportunity to exchange your ticket for a future date.  If this is offered, one of the ways to support your local theatre would be to accept an exchange for a future date.

Another, and potentially better way to help is to consider donating the value of the refunded ticket to the organsiation.  We understand this is not something everyomne would be able to afford to do.  But it is something to consider, and it could help to keep an organisation, performer or venue you love from potential hardship.

Be Patient – Be Kind

In the processing of your ticket refund, we should recognise the incredible efforts of staff who work in our theatres and the pressures they are going to be under over the coming days, and not to take out frustrations on them.  Be patient – be kind. Show a bit of #TheatreLove.

We will further update this page as and when we have any further specific information.

Are you a theatre, theatre company or theatre practitioner affected?

If you are a theatre, theatre company or an indiviudal who is involved in the delivery of theatre and performance of any kind, please send us any information you would like to share with the public and visitors to our website and our associated channels – stagedoor@staffordshiretheatre.com 

If you are otherwise affected as someone involved in theatre and performing arts delivery/practice, the following links and resources should be of value to you.

• An excellent UK Theatre Industry Coronavirus Facebook Group – A new but massive (5,000 members+) group dedicated to the Performing Arts industry to share news, tips, advice or anything helpful to do with the Corona Virus and how it is affecting you/your business.
  https://www.facebook.com/groups/489300505097902/
• Independent Theatre Council Covid 19 advice – https://www.itc-arts.org/blogBECTU Covid 19 advice for members working in theatre, live events and the arts – https://bectu.org.uk/article/covid-19-advice-for-members-working-in-theatre-live-events-and-the-arts/