Theatre hoping to stage a comeback

BACK in mid-March as the iron grip of lockdown tightened, there was deep uncertainty at the Boo Theatre as to what the post-pandemic future would hold. But, while question marks remain over the viability of dramatic productions in the near future, four months later tentative plans are now being put in place to re-open the much-loved community venue.

“When we closed our doors at the end of March 2020 we were very unsure that we would ever be able to open them again in the same way,” admitted Esther Ferry-Kennington, executive director of the Waterfoot venue, and its drama company the Horse & Bamboo.

“We’re very pleased to say that over the next month or so we have some members of staff returning and we are making tentative plans to be able to open our doors. As a theatre we are unlikely to be delivering any shows in the near future - even Christmas is uncertain at present - but anyone who is familiar with us knows that we are more than just a theatre.”

There are many community groups who rely on The Boo, on Bacup Road, as a space to deliver their events; from the Community Café, to Apna Rossendale, to Cotton Shed and Footlights.

Esther says they have “all been wonderfully supportive of The Boo over that last two years”.

She added: “We can’t wait to return to live theatre and music, when it’s safe to do so, but we also hope that some changes are here to stay. The highlighting of inequalities we face as a nation, through Black Lives Matter and associated activism, should be a conversation that continues long after lockdown. We want to continue to ensure that The Boo is a safe and welcome place for all the mixed communities of Rossendale, from the long-established to the newly arrived.”

She added that for the present time their financial future looks “reasonably secure”.

“Arts Council England and other current funders have been incredibly supportive and we have received additional donations that will help us develop some new online content,” she said.