WITH the lifting of coronavirus restrictions plans are being made for the reopening of Skipton Little Theatre.

Little theatre chairman Alan Parkinson says it will be done in a ‘measured and cautious way’ to see how happy the actors and audiences are to return.

He says some restrictions, such as the wearing of masks, social distancing, and limited audience numbers will probably apply, with people being told closer to the time.

“We propose to start with a short comedy, to run from July 6 to July 13, called ‘Dirty Business’ by Derek Webb which runs for about 55 minutes without an interval,” he said.

Tickets will be £5 and booking details will appear on the Little Theatre website nearer to the time.

There are also plans for another play in late August, with details to follow, with the 2021/22 season opening properly in early October with ‘Absent Friends’ by Alan Ayckbourn. A full season is planned and subscriptions - due on September 1 - are being held at £35.

Meanwhile, the theatre in Clifford Street has been maintained over the last year, so it is ready to welcome back people.

“We have cleaned, aired and maintained the theatre over the period of closure and continued with our programme of improvements to the electrics and lighting, the workshop, and there are also some new curtains.

“We are currently planning to install a fresh air ventilation system and are in negotiations with a local firm to supply and fit this. It will obviously be of benefit in the current health crisis but in the longer term will make the auditorium more comfortable in hot weather, should we ever get any! However, it is also a major capital investment so we are having to look very carefully at how we fund it.”

Mr Parkinson added it was important that all of the theatre’s old friends returned, along with some new ones in order to ensure its future.

“We are becoming desperately short of helpers for front of house, the committee, backstage and actors onstage.

“It would be an enormous pity if we end up closing a viable, well-equipped and maintained building through lack of interest in Skipton and the surrounding area. I hope it doesn’t come to that.”

To find out more, including what is coming up and helping out, visit: www.skiptonlittletheatre.org.uk/