Coronavirus: The show must go on! Theatres and jazz club staying open - for now

THEATRE productions will go ahead as normal for the time being in the face of the ongoing coronavirus threat, Sheffield Theatres has said.

But the theatre group, which runs the Lyceum and Crucible theatres, said it was closely monitoring the situation regarding  the virus and the related illness Covid-19.

Rotherham Council has been asked for comment on the operation of the Civic Theatre, where Little Shop of Horrors is due to open tomorrow.

Cabaret is due to open tomorrw in Sheffield, where Coriolanus (above) and Run Sister Run are also currently being staged.

Sheffield Theatres said in a statement: “This is a rapidly evolving situation and we will continue to regularly check and follow guidance from Public Health England, the World Health Organisation (WHO) as well as that of local government.

“All performances are going ahead as planned.

"Please be assured that the safety and health of our staff and visitors is our number one priority. 

“Should there be any changes to the current status, we will take account of any recommendations from the relevant authorities, and implement all appropriate instructions accordingly. 

“To protect our visitors and staff, we are maintaining additional cleaning and disinfection measures and are providing hand sanitiser at all entry points. 

“We would remind all visitors of the importance of maintaining good hand and personal hygiene at all times.”

Meanwhile, the show will go on for a jazzman hailed as a “game changer” as he brings his band to Sheffield on Friday — but it could be the last gig of its kind for some time.

Sheffield Jazz have assured music fans that The Ant Law Quartet’s gig at Crookes Social Club has not fallen victim to the coronavirus outbreak, with 

the band expected to be performing music from their third album Life I Know.

But special measures will be in place at the show, which starts at 8pm, to  minimise the risk of contagion.

Vince Keddie from the jazz club said: “Seating will be widely spaced, hand sanitizers will be available at various points on the premises, and hot water, soap and paper towels will be available in all toilets. 

“In addition, the club are sanitising all common contact surfaces regularly.” 

But he revealed the gig was likely to be the last of the present season, adding: “Because of the fast-deteriorating Covid-19 problem and associated Government guidance suggesting mass self-isolation in the near future.”

The Nikki Iles Orchestra gig will be postponed to Friday, September 25, with further shows also set to be rearranged.

Visit www.sheffieldjazz.org.uk for updated details.

Vince added: “We very much regret having to take this step, especially in view of the financial repercussions for the musicians, and we would urge all our audience to try to compensate at this very difficult time for them by buying CDs, downloads and other merchandise from the musicians' websites.”

 

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