A MUCH LOVED theatre in Bishop’s Castle is set to host its first event after it was forced to temporarily close due to the coronavirus lockdown.

SpArC Theatre, in Brampton Road, will be opening its doors once again for a showing of comedy-drama film The Personal History of David Copperfield on Friday, October 16.

Liz Still, SpArC Theatre and Arts Manage, said: “We are so happy to be able to welcome you back to SpArC Theatre.

“We want the experience to be as enjoyable as it ever was for our audience.”

New regulations, which comply with Shropshire Council, SpArC leisure centre and Enterprise House coronavirus guidelines, will be in place for the audience, staff and volunteers’ safety.

The theatre said that refusal to comply with the procedure will put people at unnecessary risk and “may jeopardise the future of the theatre” and culprits will be asked to leave.

If a theatre-goer or a member of their family has symptoms of coronavirus they must not come to SpArC, and their tickets will be refunded up to 24 hours before the event.

Anyone who feels unwell during a performance and believes that they have symptoms of Covid-19 must inform a steward immediately.

All theatre events will be held when the leisure centre is closed to lessen the possibility of overcrowding at the entrance, foyer and car park. This will be reviewed in the New Year.

There will be a mixture of tiered and cabaret seating to get the greatest number in socially distanced

No tickets available on the door, and all tickets must be pre-booked. No paper tickets will be issued.

Theatre-goers are asked to wear a mask, unless they are unable to do so, until seated.

The front doors of the theatre will remain locked until 15 minutes before the start of the event. People attending events at the building can remain in their cars or queue outside socially-distanced where markers are provided.

Ms Still added: “We thank you for your patience and support and look forward to seeing you soon.”