It’s showtime! Chicago, Les Mis, Grease... Theatre’s back with a bang

When we were first plunged into lockdown it felt like the end of the world. There was an announcement on the telly from an ashen-faced prime minister (check). The streets were eerily quiet (check). The supermarket shelves were empty (check). I witnessed two shoppers brawling over a nine-pack of toilet roll (bingo!).

I was genuinely scared, waking up in the middle of the night with a tightness in my chest, convinced I had Covid. I happily accepted nights out with friends were off-limits and tried to embrace my new regime of working from home. Anything to keep me and my family safe.

But as the months dragged on, the fear was replaced with an energy-sapping flatness, which felt even worse.

We’re not out of the woods yet but the recent return of theatres, cinemas and music venues has given me reason to hope.and after an 18-month hiatus, there is an exciting line-up of shows waiting in the wings to thrill us.

Actress Faye Brookes will be one of the first stars to tread the boards at Glasgow’s King’s Theatre when she takes on the role of Roxie Hart. She tells us on pages 6&7 that she is feeling “nervous and excited”, and I’m sure the audience will be feeling the same.

For some of us it’s a scary prospect but theatre bosses have pulled out the stops to keep us safe. On pages 16&17 we find out how they are tackling the return to live performances plus we have chosen the biggest and best-loved musicals, plays and ballet you can book now. It’s been a hellish long interval but the show must go on.