A THEATRE which was forced to close its doors a year ago due to the coronavirus pandemic is preparing to reopen as the show must go on.
The Headgate Theatre, in Colchester, is looking forward to welcoming audiences back in line with the Government's plan to ease Covid restrictions.
Having been closed last March, to help it get started again it has received a significant amount of funding from various sources.
The Theatres Trust has awarded the theatre £5,000 from its Theatre Reopening Fund.
The funding from this national public advisory body for theatre has helped with the costs of ensuring the building is Covid-secure.
Changes include improvements to ventilation systems and simple measures like purchasing industrial scale cleaning equipment.
The theatre had to divert funds from planned upgrades to the building to survive the catastrophic loss of income caused by the pandemic.
In late 2020 the Theatres Trust sponsored a crowdfunding campaign by the Headgate.
The ‘virtual bucket shake’ ran during the panto season and raised £15,000 in donations from supporters to “Help it keep the lights on”.
As a result, the theatre has managed to restart its improvement plans including the upgrade of the stage sound and lighting system.
It has already installed cable for a new digital network and has purchased two new lanterns to replace six that were 12 years old. With the upgrade plans back on track, the theatre is taking a big step towards greater sustainability by bringing the lighting up to the modern standard of energy efficient LED’s and improving the experience for those with hearing difficulties.
Chair of the management committee Dawn King said: “As well as the donations and the grant, we have been truly touched and appreciative of the fantastic comments left on the Crowdfunder pages.
"The Headgate is clearly a special place for so many, and it will be for years to come with this money.
"Both the grant and the Crowdfunder have been a massive boost and we are so thankful to everyone who supported us.
"The lights will not go out – and you can expect great productions, exciting workshops, and friendly welcoming faces.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here