Oxford Playhouse welcomes yesterday’s announcement of the Government’s four-stage road map to ease lockdown in the UK. We look forward with optimism and excitement to re-opening the Playhouse and presenting a summer Playhouse Plays Out programme over the coming months. We are working with our colleagues in the theatre sector to confirm the opening season, and details will be announced as soon as possible.
Throughout this pandemic, the safety and wellbeing of our audiences and staff has remained the Playhouse’s number one priority and, whilst we understand that this timeline remains dependent on infection rates continuing to decline and that all Government decisions are subject to the latest public health and safety guidance, this latest news means we are able to move forwards with greater confidence and assurance.
We would like to thank Arts Council England, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and HM Treasury for the support they have provided Oxford Playhouse through the Cultural Recovery Fund and the Job Retention Scheme, which was a lifeline for the industry. We also thank the University of Oxford and Oxford City Council for their continued support, and all our audience and supporters who have contributed so generously to the future of the Playhouse with their donations to our Playhouse Plays On appeal.
‘After a year of closure, we’re delighted that we can now plan for the Playhouse to once more welcome audiences and artists back to the theatre in May. Until then, the Playhouse at Home season continues, presenting the best of digital theatre and working with thousands of young people and community groups online. The Playhouse staff and Trustees have been extraordinary throughout this crisis, and we are hugely proud of the resilience, innovation and determination they have shown all year.’
Louise Chantal & Vanessa Lefrancois - Oxford Playhouse Joint Directors & CEOs