Stables Theatre at Hastings outlines its plans for a return

Neil Sellman, chairman of the Stables Council, said: “Some people are suffering the effects of Covid 19 in the most unthinkably heart breaking ways, thankfully theatre is ‘only’ experiencing financial loss.

“Here at the Stables we have, for all intents and purposes, closed until Spring 2021 but between now and then we plan to start reopening the theatre in line with Government Guidelines, with outside events, socially distanced streamed performances, reduced audiences, before once again playing to ‘full houses’.

“The Stables is lucky to have such a dedicated and generous group of volunteers, members and patrons and we wanted to say a particular thank you to everyone for their continued support, this will help to secure the future of the arts and theatre in Hastings.

As you will already be aware we estimate the earliest full reopening of the theatre may not be until Spring 2021, but we have been working.

“Our Box office Manager and Membership Secretary have now contacted all but a handful of ticket holders and we want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has donated or accepted vouchers in exchange for current tickets. It keeps the theatre in a very stable position. The Council will be discussing memberships at the next meeting.

“There is still great uncertainty around the duration of social distancing requirements so as government guidelines allow we are planning to re-open in three stages.

Stage One – Outside – socially distanced performances.

Stage Two – Stage based – socially distanced performances – with no or reduced audience and live streaming.

Stage Three – full scale productions – with capacity audience.

“We are currently working with health and safety representatives and industry professionals planning the management and safety for the entire theatre, this is extremely complicated.

“So between now and the theatre re-opening fully there are going to be a variety of ‘one off’ events. Marketing, ticketing, productions, format will all look very different and we are taking this as an opportunity to move forward using the building as a community based theatre.

“Everyone at the Stables hopes you are keeping well and wanted to let you know that during these challenging times we are doing everything to make our return as safe and as exciting as possible.”

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