Following government advice to combat the spread of coronavirus, many theatres and venues across the United Kingdom are closing this week in order to protect the welfare of customers and staff during the outbreak.
Official announcements from South Wales theatres and venues since Monday March 16 have announced closures seeing the cancellation of shows and presentations for the coming weeks.
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
Wales Millennium Centre who were due to stage several presentations in the coming weeks including Cabaret and The Red Shoes announced on March 16 via Twitter:
Wales Millennium Centre will close with immediate effect until further notice. The safety of our workers and audiences is of paramount importance. We will issue a further statement in relation to show cancellations and postponements tomorrow and will be in touch with bookers.
A further announcement on Twitter on March 17:
Wales Millennium Centre is closed until further notice. We are contacting ticket bookers who were due to see shows over the next three weeks directly today. We have also updated our website to reflect all changes to date.
We thank our customers for their patience during this busy time. We will keep reviewing the situation and update customers on changes to our programme.
New Theatre, Cardiff
Cardiff’s New Theatre which was due to stage the musical, Friendsical this week announced on March 17:
Due to advice provided by the UK Government following the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus the New theatre has closed with immediate effect until further notice. The safety of our staff, volunteers and our audiences is of paramount importance in making this decision.
We will be continually reviewing the situation regarding future productions and will be in contact with you as soon as we have any additional information.
St David’s Hall, Cardiff
In the wake of the Government Warning, St David’s Hall have also postponed several of their upcoming shows and presentations including Opera Spectacular, The Boys Are Back, performances from Amy Wadge and Jamie Cullum and comedy trio, Foil, Arms and Hog..
The Riverfront, Newport
Newport’s Riverfront Theatre which was due to present Elinor Cook’s Microwave announced via Twitter on Monday:
In light of the advice by UK Government today, with immediate effect the Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre will close to the public. The wellbeing of our colleagues, customers, promoters & partners continue to be of the highest priority.
Dolman Theatre, Newport
Newport’s Dolman Theatre announced via Facebook on Wednesday evening.
Due to government advice The Dolman Theatre will be closed with immediate effect for all auditorium and studio productions until further notice. The societies will be in contact to arrange refunds or tickets for alternative dates very shortly . Please be patient at this time as there are large amounts to deal with.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support at this difficult time. To all our volunteers, staff and customers please look after yourselves, stay safe and we look forward to welcoming you all back in the near future.
All patrons of the above and neighbouring theatres and venues that have booked tickets for forthcoming productions should check websites or contact respective box offices with regard to updates and information. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic each venue is likely to be under a lot of pressure, so allow reasonable time to get in contact regarding rebooking or refunds.
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Information regarding the coronavirus pandemic can be found on the UK government website.