Curtain-up’s on hold for spring performance
A theatre group is hoping to rise from the ashes after its spring show was cancelled.
Johnstone Phoenix Theatre group had been well into rehearsals for their performance of Ghost - The Musical, when the global coronavirus pandemic forced it to abandon its plans.
The show should have been staged at Johnstone Town Hall from Wednesday, April 29 till Saturday, May 2.
But, following the lockdown, the amateur theatre group decided it would postpone the production for another year.
The group’s Ann Marie Murdoch said: “We were watching the situation unfold to see what was best to do.
“We’d been rehearsing for a few months and were looking forward to putting it on.
“Hopefully, it’ll make it easier for next year when we come back to it.”
A statement from the group said: “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of Ghost – The Musical.
“Ghost is now officially rescheduled until April 26 to May 1, 2021.
“All tickets already bought for Ghost can be transferred over to 2021.”
Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group has an adult and youth section and rehearses in the town hall.
The club was formed as Johnstone Operatic and Dramatic Society back in 1963 but, by the early 1970s, a lack of financial support led the cast to stage a series of hugely-successful benefit concerts.
The group was rebranded Johnstone Phoenix in 1972 in recognition of its rise from the ashes.
I t norma l l y stages two performances a year – a spring show and a pantomime.
All members have their fingers crossed they’ll still be able to rehearse and perform this year’s panto – Jack and the Beanstalk.
Ann Marie said: “We hope our panto Jack and the Beanstalk will still go ahead this year. Rehearsals for that would normally start in September.
“A lot depends on the town hall and whether we’re allowed to have groups gather together again.”
Anyone who bought tickets for Ghost can either roll them over to next spring or get a refund.
For a refund, email johnstonephoenix@gmail.com
We hope our panto Jack and the Beanstalk will still go ahead this year