It's 'try or die' for Chorley theatre which reopens this week

Theatre bosses say the Dole Lane attraction probably would not have survived so far into the conronavirus crisis without public support.

But the venue – closed since March – is not out of the woods.

It has only had around 20 per cent of the income it was expecting this year.

Many shows have had to be cancelled or moved to 2021.

Operations director Ian Robinson said: “The last few months have been tough, and we may not have got through it without the donations to our GoFundMe campaign and the generous support and understanding of our audiences.

“Being a community venue we want to reopen and get back to what we do best, which is entertaining the town.

“Unfortunately, we can’t do some of the bigger shows so we’ve had to postpone them but we can very safely present films so that’s what we’re doing.”

He added: “It will be very difficult to make any money in the current conditions but we’ll be happy to cover costs, and if we don’t try now then we might never open again.

“We still need people’s support to get through this and we think there’s a good line-up of events audiences will come to.”

The theatre is re-opening with a new schedule of filmed entertainment and live shows.

The new line-up is designed to work with socially-distanced audiences.

Starting on Thursday with stage version of Fleabag on the big screen, the Autumn line-up will include music, comedy and movies.

To become COVID-safety compliant the venue has stocked up on sanitiser,shields, and PPE.

There will be a one-way system and a wall has been knocked down to create more space.

There’s a new toilet block in the neighbouring building, and ticketing software ensures there’s no-one sat behind or next to you.

On Saturday there will be a showing of Britain’s Got Talent on the big screen so local audiences can cheer on Chorley-based comedian Steve Royle.

On Sunday there are three screenings of the film Judy, starring Renee Zellwegger.

Other films in October include The Personal History of David Copperfield, The Wizard of Oz, and an entire day showing the Back To The Future trilogy.

Theatre shows beamed to the screen include Michael Boe and Alfie Boe in Concert at the Royal Albert Hall and more to be announced soon.

There will be live comedy from Carl Hutchinson on November 7 and ComedySportz on November 21.

Comedy historian Robert Ross will present a night of Christmas-themed comedy clips on Sunday, November 29.

The theatre’s owners, Chorley Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society, have put back their season, including the panto The Snow Queen to 2021, but are working on a Christmas show to be announced soon.

Pre-booking is essential for all these events and more details can be found at www.chorleytheatre.com