Theatre-starved audiences may yet see performing artists take the stage at Dubbo this year, with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions potentially reviving some of the 2020 season.
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Dubbo Regional Theatre manager Linda Christof has this week told of being "hopeful" the curtains could go up in two months' time.
Firmly in mind for a return is Club Soda, a cabaret-style show scheduled for August 22 long before COVID-19 forced the closure of the facility in March.
"I would have to say with the announcements made just in the past few days, staff are very hopeful that we will be able to host one of our season shows in August," Ms Christof said.
She said even with the limitations of the four-square-metre rule, they would be "able to accommodate 163 people" in the convention centre, and if the restrictions were lifted further, those numbers could be increased.
"It's such a good season show to open the doors to, because with Club Soda, that is all about celebration, dancing, there's five performers and there's a whole array of burlesque, magic, comedy," she said.
"So for those people who have really felt like they've been isolated, it will be a wonderful opportunity to mix with people at a safe distance and really enjoy a fabulous show."
COVID-19 disrupted the 2020 season, the theatre's 10th anniversary year.
Some shows were cancelled and many postponed, but Ms Christof said another four shows were scheduled for the remainder of this year.
"So if all goes well with our August opening, then I don't see a problem with the remainder of the shows," she said.
"And if it is true the social distancing will be lifted as the weeks go by, then we certainly will be able to accommodate those shows."
The team at the theatre, a council facility, has had the task of combining postponed shows into the 2021 season.
"But we will do that, we will honour the shows we've had this year, so subscribers and prospective subscribers will have the opportunity to choose from this year's shows, as well as 2021," Ms Christof.
The theatre manager also reported of positive signs in the wake of the COVID-19 shutdown, with the facility getting bookings for hirer-promoter shows, "and very high-calibre ones".
"So they're wanting to get out into the regions and tour to invigorate the economy, but also to instill confidence in patrons," Ms Christof said.
"We're an extremely safe venue, we've taken all the precautions so we look forward to welcoming a whole range of hirers."
Feedback indicated many regular patrons "couldn't wait" to come back.
"...then there will be the others who are going to be extremely cautious, and will come in their good time, and that's fine, we respect everyone's decision and we look forward to welcoming them back again," Ms Christof said.
Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
