Audiences will be welcomed back to the Rose Theatre for a socially distanced season from October 28.
The Kingston theatre has been closed since March but will reopen as a COVID-19 secure venue, with live theatre in the Return to the Rose Season.
Artistic director at the Rose, Christopher Haydon said: “During these six months, our relentlessly adaptable staff have embodied the resilience of the Rose.
“Our reopening is a testament to them and the support we continue to receive from our audiences.”
Performances this autumn include the 40th-anniversary production of Educating Rita starring Stephen Tompkinson, a comedy night with Russell Kane and award-winning show WOKE.
A family-friendly festive production, of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Stick Man, will also be performed.
“I’m delighted that we have been able to secure a series of entertaining and provocative work.
“To begin to see the light at the end of this long, dark tunnel is a welcome relief,” said Haydon.
COVID-19 secure venue
Tickets are only available for households and support bubbles. All groups will be socially-distanced in the auditorium.
Face masks are mandatory in the theatre and temperature checks completed for all guests on arrival. Other provisions include additional signage and sanitiser stations.
Although the overall experience will be different, the staff at the theatre are looking forward to welcoming audiences again.
Ticket revenue is the Rose Theatre’s primary income alongside charitable funding from donors and sponsors.
In April, the Rose Theatre launched the #RoseEndures fundraising campaign calling for audiences to make donations and share memories of the Rose.
A statement published by the theatre said: “The campaign aims to help safeguard the future of the venue, to continue its role as a vibrant community arts hub, and to ensure the livelihoods of its dedicated staff and associated creatives.”
Theatres are reliant on audiences and the arts industry is in jeopardy because of a lack of support from the government in their coronavirus response.
