March 17, 2020. – CORONAVIRUS STATEMENT

Theatre Royal CEO Stephen Crocker has announced the temporary halt to performances at the theatre.

“The safety of everyone who works at or visits Norwich Theatre and its three venues is of paramount importance and as an organisation we stand firm in our support of all efforts to combat COVID-19/Coronavirus. 

In light of the advice to the public issued by the government on Monday 16th March, it is with regret that I announce that planned performances at Theatre Royal, Playhouse and Stage Two will not take place until further notice.

Learning & Participation activities will take place as usual for now, though please check our website and social media for updates. Participants will be directly informed of any changes if necessary.

Whilst we will absolutely support the Government’s new advice around social distancing, I ask our customers and visitors to understand that this new advice was delivered to us at the same time as it was announced publicly yesterday, was not accompanied by any specific and more detailed instructions and is without precedent. We are working through the significant consequences and outcomes of this for our staff and customers as quickly as we can and we will keep you updated through our website and social media.

I would ask that customers do not contact our Box Office in relation to shows not taking place. We are currently working with a large number of promoters and producers to explore all options and we will be in touch with you as soon as we are able.

Thank you in advance for your patience as this could take some weeks as we also, at the same time, look to abide by the Government’s guidance to us as an employer which will mean running a skeleton and dispersed Box Office team shortly. 

I believe that times of crisis can make us stronger in the end if we all look after each other. I am making a commitment to looking after our customers once we have a plan for the performances that are not going ahead and would ask that our customers help me to look after our staff by being patient until we make contact.

Many thanks for your understanding.

Several Playhouse shows have been rescheduled or cancelled. Where a show is rescheduled then our box office team will move you over to the new dates, or where a show is cancelled they will be in touch to arrange a refund.

Vikki Stone: Song Bird – March 18 – cancelled
Stephen Bailey: Can’t Be Bothered – March 19 – cancelled
Juliet and Romeo – March 20 – cancelled
Round The Horne – March 25 – rescheduled to September 1

At Stage Two all Learning & Participation workshops and courses are cancelled from close-of-play today until May 23. We will be in touch about planned activities beyond that date within the next few days.

Our Creative Matters: Loss & Bereavement Season has been postponed until further notice. We thank our partners Rosedale Funeral Home for their support in this”.