Actor calls on Grantham Guildhall to open for festive production

But determined to see the theatre reopened Grant devised a proposal to redevelop the Guildhall Arts Centre, to open its doors, bringing live entertainment to Grantham once again, as well as jobs to both the theatre staff and the professionals within the industry that has been hit so drastically by Covid-19.

Some of the measures being proposed by Grant include temperature checks and hand sanitising upon arrival, a one-way system in all areas, and reduced audience capacity.

Grant, who used to attend St Mary’s Primary School, Grantham, said: “The theatre industry is suffering the consequences of the Covid pandemic, and the effects are being felt by everyone from actors and musicians to sound, lighting and backstage crew - most of whom are self-employed – as well as venue staff who are furloughed at present including front of house, box office etc. It is clear that things will not return to normal for sometime, and therefore drastic action must be taken by venues to make theatre possible, whilst adhering to Government guidelines.

“If the current plan was effective, the doors would be open, audiences would be enjoying live events, and industry professionals would be earning a living.

“We want to work together with the existing team and council members to transform the way regional theatre operates in the new post-Covid world.

“The Guildhall Arts Centre and the council have a responsibility to make theatre viable again, not just for those working in the industry, but for the audiences who have been deprived of live entertainment for many months.”

After moving to Grantham aged eight, Grant soon became involved in the Guildhall, from watching pantomimes, performing with the drama group, undertaking work experience at the theatre and later returning with his own shows as a professional.

He added: “My love for theatre was nurtured and thrived at the Guildhall.”

Grant is now an actor, writer, producer and children’s author, as well as running a successful business, providing free author visits to primary schools to promote reading.

He added: “I feel, with the team behind us, that we can transform the theatre scene in Grantham and show other venues that it can be done but we need to move fast if we are to see a production on stage by Christmas.”

The Guildhall is owned and managed by South Kesteven District Council, who confirmed that the Arts Centre will begin a phased reopening of its facilities this month, starting with the return of a limited programme of classes and workshops.

Councillor Rosemary Trollope-Bellew, the SKDC cabinet member for culture, said: “We are very aware of how important the arts and culture sector is to the local economy both in terms of the people who work in it, including our own staff, and for the health and wellbeing of our communities.

“We have to balance a phased and gradual reopening with ensuring that we can continue to protect the health of our staff, those who hire our premises, and our audiences. That will be at the heart of efforts to reopen our premises, although it must be acknowledged that the landscape remains uncertain and can quickly change.”

“We want to ensure that as we move forwards, we do so in a way that gives our audiences confidence that they can enjoy an event safely and we are working hard with the sector to achieve this.”

Procedures for stewarding and cleaning between events will be in place and the Guildhall team will continue to review safe options for restoring an increasingly wider programme.

Any live events will be subject to strict social distance restrictions.

The safe operating capacity of the auditorium has been estimated at 25 per cent of normal levels, which is approximately 50 seats per event.

The capacity estimates are based on managing safe entry and exits, the availability of staff to manage access issues and ensuring effective movement around the venue – particularly in the auditorium itself.