Second National Lockdown Impact

A statement from our Artistic Director, Ann Ellison BEM, following the second national lockdown in England:

On Thursday 5th November England went into a month-long lockdown. I am sure many of you will have realised the implications this has for theatres, and you will therefore not be surprised to learn that Next Stage's attempt to re-open The Mission Theatre with a late-Autumn mini-season starting on Monday November 9th has had to be aborted. It is with great reluctance that I have had to take the decision to reschedule all of the planned productions. We will of course let you know as soon as we are able to confirm new performance dates and there will also be updates on our websites.

I am particularly sad that my cast members in The Memory of Water have once again been faced with a disappointing cancellation. Due to the first lockdown in March the actors lost their show a week before opening night, now they are faced with exactly the same situation. We had been working since September on the re-blocking and refreshing of this play ready to open on the 9th November, but to no avail.

I was, however, incredibly buoyed up after meeting with my cast and crew. Their dedication and commitment to Shelagh Stephenson's compelling play is remarkable and, although this is another sad setback for all of us, everyone is determined that the show WILL go on! We are waiting to see what will happen in December, but if there’s any chance at all of being able to safely produce The Memory of Water this year we will do so.

Another casualty of this second lockdown is Next Stage's planned production of The Hothouse, scheduled for Nov 30th - 5th December. In consultation with director Bob Constantine, I have taken the hard decision that this play will now move to Spring 2021. Bob and his cast have been rehearsing for two months and the play's in great shape with a stellar cast. However with no hopes of opening the theatre before Dec 2nd, and hence no time for tech and dress rehearsals, it seems only fair to ask you all to wait a little longer before seeing this Pinter classic.

I'm so sorry not to be able to welcome you all back to The Mission Theatre as soon as we had hoped, but rest assured, Next Stage Theatre Company will be here waiting to deliver top-quality entertainment to you as soon as we're given the green light to do so.

I look forward to seeing you all as soon as possible. Meanwhile stay safe and well.

Best wishes,

Ann Ellison BEM
Artistic Director
The Mission Theatre and Next Stage Theatre Company