In light of the current threat of COVID-19, Theatre by the Lake has taken the difficult decision to cancel its 2020 Summer Season. The theatre has been closed since Tuesday 17 March following government advice, and, due to the uncertainty around when it can reopen again, is unable to commit to the significant costs represented by the rep season.
The Summer Season was due to open on 21 May and continue until 31 October. The productions included Boeing Boeing and Rope, as well as an unprecedented four world premieres: The Climbers by Carmen Nasr, Wilt by Kieran Knowles, These Walls by Laura Lomas and Drown Your Empty Selves by Joseph Wilde.
Liz Stevenson, the theatre’s Artistic Director, said: “This was an upsetting decision to make but the only option available to us in the current circumstances. The considerable work needed to prepare for our celebrated and complex rep season, together with the significant costs involved, presents too great a risk during a time of such huge upheaval and uncertainty.
“Our ultimate aim is to ensure that we continue to be Cumbria’s producing theatre. We’re asking ticket holders to donate the cost of their ticket to support the theatre at this time, and are so grateful to the many people who have already done so – especially as we are aware that this is a difficult time for so many of you. Our audiences and community are what make our theatre special and we want to say a massive thank you for your support and patience. We’re looking forward to welcoming you back just as soon as we can, and we are working out creative ways of working with you, our community, until then. We wish everyone well in the meantime; look after yourselves and each other.”
As the theatre is currently closed, ticket requests cannot be processed until the Box Office has reopened; however, urgent enquiries are being monitored by theatre staff via enquiries@theatrebythelake.com. Contact with all advance ticket holders will recommence once the theatre reopens. Online donations are open for anyone who wishes to support the theatre with a donation; see www.theatrebythelake.com/donate.
