Saturday 3rd October marked the return of theatre at Newhampton Arts Centre. The Wolverhampton venue has been working closely with their resident magician and story teller, Careena Fenton to deliver a COVID-safe, socially distanced family magic show to a small invited audience, successfully piloting the re-opening of their NAC theatre.
Since closing it theatre doors in March due to the COVID pandemic NAC has remained hopeful about utilising its space and safely deliver live theatre once again, and this has been made possible with months of intensive planning and from dedicated staff members. Performer Careena Fenton (AKA Sylvia Sceptre) also remained hopeful and used her time wisely, acquiring new skills in lockdown and after conversations with the arts centre. She worked on new material that focused on no – touch magic with zero volunteers on stage. This relationship resulted in a NAC’s return to live-performance pilot show entitled ‘Sylvia Sceptre’s Magical Afternoon’ which took place on the afternoon of Saturday 3rd October with a small invited audience.
COVID secure safely measures are now in place for all events at NAC to ensure Wolverhampton audiences can enjoy their live experience whilst staying safe. These new procedures include reduced theatre numbers, socially distanced seating in within customers bubbles of six, 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. The audience were not to cheer, shout, sing or dance (also due to new COVID safety measures) but encouraged to clap which came in very useful for Careena’s efforts. The pilot family show which aimed to aim give people the confidence to return to the theatre has been a roaring success, gaining some very positive feedback from their audience.
NAC theatre and venue space is now opening to the public with a number of socially distanced shows and performances. NAC’s live theatre programme includes, Pepper & Honey (14/11/20) and their family festive show in December with Mischief and Mystery in Moominvalley (11 – 13/12/20) Plus live music with all acoustic sets from John Bramwell (17/10/20) Mark Morriss (07/11/20) and the return of Folk at the NAC with Lucy Ward (21/11/20). All tickets can purchased at www.ticketsource.co.uk/newhamptonartscentreor by phone on 01902 572090. (Mischief and Mystery in Moominvalley on sale 10am 09/10/20). Please note with limited audience numbers we do advise booking early to avoid dissapointment.
