Empire scraps more shows
The Sunderland Empire has announced a further suspension of performances – with a view to reopening in 2021.
Shows have not been held at the Empire since March, but staff have been working hard to give replacement tickets to rescheduled shows, as well as credit vouchers.
Now it’s been confirmed that performances have been suspended until Friday, November 27, which affects shows including Whitney: Queen of the Night and Strictly Ballroom. Previous shows which could not take place include Mamma Mia, Footloose, Heathers the Musical and Derren Brown, which have all been rescheduled. However, some shows, including Phantom of the Opera, due to be in Sunderland in November, will not reopen.
Over the summer, the landmark Empire tower was lit red to show its solidarity with the performing arts industry which has been devastated by the pandemic. The Ambassador Theatre Group, which operates the Empire, has laid off more than 1,000 casual staff since lockdown.
A statement from the Empire reads: “Unfortunately, as a result of ongoing social distancing restrictions, we have now suspended all performances at our UK venues until Friday 27 November 2020.
"We apologise for the inconvenience caused but hope you understand given the exceptional circumstances. If you have made a booking that is affected by this suspension, you do not need to do anything. We are currently contacting customers whose original tickets were for performances up to 18 October.
"Customers booked for remaining performances will be contacted in the week commencing 5 October.
"Bookings for performances with confirmed rescheduled dates will be automatically moved to the new dates and customers will be informed accordingly. We are working with Producers to reschedule as many postponed shows as possible and thank you in advance for your patience. Full credit vouchers which are valid until 31 December 2021 and including all fees, or refunds, are available for all cancelled shows.
"Over the last few months, our teams up and down the country have successfully rescheduled thousands of performances of great quality plays, musicals, comedy and live music.
"Throughout 2021 we have a wonderful array of productions on sale, everything from The Addams Family to Derren Brown: Showman, Waitress to Looking Good Dead, and School of Rock to My Best Friend’s Wedding. You can book with complete confidence knowing that if there are any further suspensions, your new tickets will remain fully valid for further exchanges or refunds.
"On behalf of all our staff, back stage crews, front of house teams, actors, dancers, musicians, and the entire industry we thank you for your support and understanding as we work together to ensure the future success of British theatre. With your ongoing support we believe we can come back faster and stronger than ever before.
"As you can imagine, we have a large number of customers to assist, so we ask that you please bear with us – your patience and understanding are very much appreciated at this time.”
Customer services is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Contact them on help@ atgtickets.com or 0333 009 6690.