First live show since lockdown was magical

The Newhampton Arts Centre, in Wolverhampton, was able to put on a live show for the first time since it closed due to lockdown restrictions.

A small invited group attended a magical pilot show called Sylvia Sceptre’s Magical Afternoon on October 3, which was set up centre to help test the new seating arrangements.

Changes included a reduction in seats, with a maximum of six people from a same household bubble seating around a table. No more than 40 were allowed in the theatre.

Marketing co-ordinator Stacey Cross said

: "These new procedures include bar table service, face covers to be worn at all times unless seated, a one-way system across the site, track and trace, and comprehensive hygiene and cleaning.

"We've got the table areas set at least two metres apart and we ask people to stay seated unless they're going to the bathroom, plus we ask the audience to not sing or shout, but they can still applaud.

"Finally, when the performance is done, we ask the tables to exit one table at a time to keep them in their bubbles and follow the one-way system."

Stacey also said the centre was looking to put together a new schedule of events for the theatre, with some acoustic gigs lined up with John Bramwell and Mark Morriss among a list of planned shows.

Chief executive Trevelyan Wright said the new layout would help the centre to revive itself after lockdown and also spoke about the impact the Arts Council Community Recovery Fund grant of £95,151 would have on the venue's future.

He said: "It's a strict fund and is set up to enable organisations to survive the next six months, so most of the money is for running the site and paying the staff team.

"There are some things we can now do to make the site more effective, such as updating our website and getting some outdoor work done.

"It's a mark of trust from the arts council and a sign that people appreciate the work we've been doing over the last 20 years to be a vital part of the art infrastructure in the city.

"We've had a lot of lovely messages from people over social media who really value the centre and are delighted that we can start to get back to a semblance of normal operations."

Meanwhile, the city's biggest theatre, The Grand, said it was still awaiting news of its own application to the fund.

Associate director of development and communications Vicky Price said: "We are hoping to hear in the next couple of weeks.

"The scheme was launched in different stages, which is why there has already been some announcements."