'The show goes on': Northampton's Deco Theatre 'not worried' about the future despite lockdown

The manager of Northampton's Deco Theatre says she isn't worried for the future of her venue despite the lockdown.

The Government's plans announced this week to ease the UK out of lockdown were of little comfort for the country's arts and cultural venues. Theatres and cinemas were listed on the "higher-risk businesses" and will have to wait until July 4 "at the earliest" for a chance to welcome an audience through the door.

Even then, theatres and cinemas will have to find a way to practice social distancing and be declared "Covid-19 secure" by a Government risk assessment.

It could put hundreds of venues across the UK at risk of closure.

But for the front of house manager of Northampton's 900-seat Deco Theatre Jill Roach, her only concern is to get the shutters up again and help the Abington Square icon look alive.

She told the Chronicle & Echo: "I'm not worried. We haven't got the headache a lot of larger venues in town do.

"We still want to get it up and running as soon as possible. If we can manage to get a box office facility open, reopen the cafe and book some training sessions again then we'll tick along fine.

"The show goes on."

The Deco's advantage is it operates with only seven full-time staff and is more suitable for short-run shows, training sessions and forums before it sees its busiest season at Christmas-time for the pantomime.

It contrasts to the troubles other larger venues like the Roadmender and the Royal & Derngate now must work out, with entire line-ups rescheduled or cancelled and furloughed staff to pay.

Jill says the flexibility means the Deco's future is not at risk in Northampton and will be able to make a standing start whenever the lockdown is relaxed.

It comes as many other venues - like Northampton's iconic Royal & Derngate - are holding fundraisers to ensure their survival.

The Government's guidelines have suggested that as early as June venues could consider "behind closed doors" performances by streaming events for audiences to watch online.

Jill said: "We all love live theatre. Livestreaming is not quite what we signed up for - but if that's what we've got to do to be versatile and make people comfortable then we will.

"Even if we're able to open for shows it could only be at one-third capacity so we can practice social distancing.

"Another big issue is intervals. We would have to consider running shows straight through without intervals because that's when everyone crams into the toilets and the bar - it's the busiest time.

"We almost certainly won't have shows on again by July 4. But the good thing about the venue is it's so versatile. We've talked about just opening the cafe or screening films. We will adapt."

The iconic Deco building was last year changed to 'The Old Savoy' - dating back to its original name from when it opened in 1936 as a cinema, The Savoy.

For updates on changes to The Deco’s schedule, follow their social media posts, or go online: www.thedeco.co.uk.