Derngate ‘will be in touch with customers’ about tickets during coronavirus closure

Royal & Derngate has assured customers that members of staff will be in contact with individual customers who have tickets for a cancelled show.

The theatre announced on Monday (March 16) that all performances would be suspended, but at that time it was not known how long the closure would be in place for.

Royal & Derngate has now confirmed all performances, screenings and community activities will be suspended until May 10.

It is hoped shows will be rescheduled for later in the year. In the meantime, customers will be contacted individually about ticket information.

In a statement, the theatre said: “Following the most current government advice, issued on Monday March 16 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken the difficult but necessary decision to suspend all public performances, screenings and community activities at Royal & Derngate and Northampton Filmhouse until Sunday 10 May.

“Our building will not be open to the public during this time.

“Our team are working incredibly hard with visiting promoters, producing partners and stakeholders to understand the impact on our programme and the many individuals and organisations we work with.

“It is a complex and fast moving situation, as you can imagine, but the safety of our audiences and the people we work with is our number one priority.

“We will be in contact with all ticket holders directly to explain the position regarding their tickets.

“Where possible we will try to reschedule postponed Royal & Derngate shows for later in the year and all tickets will automatically be valid for these future performances.

“We can’t tell you how grateful we are for all the support we’ve received from those who have reached out personally or shared messages of solidarity online in the last few days.

“Thanks for bearing with us. We can’t wait to throw open these doors again and start welcoming you all back to Royal & Derngate as soon as it is safe to do so.

“In the meantime, do follow us online or via our social media platforms for updates.”

For Northampton Filmhouse screenings that cannot be rescheduled, customers will automatically be issued a refund.

For all other performances, if customers cannot attend on the new date or would prefer a refund, the box office will make the necessary arrangements.

Royal & Derngate also made a plea to customers to help support the industry during the pandemic.

The statement continued: “There is no doubt that COVID-19 will have a significant impact on Royal & Derngate and our industry more broadly.

“We are working tirelessly to minimise this impact, but the full path ahead is uncertain.

“If you are in a position to consider doing so, we are inviting customers to make a small donation or donate the value of their purchased tickets to the theatre, to help us through this difficult period.

“More than 85 percent of our income comes from ticket and bar sales and so securing this kind of support is an extremely important part of our ability, as a charity, to plan for the future.

“We don’t underestimate the significant impact the current situation is having on all our customers so are grateful for all and any support received.”

Customers can donate and can keep up to date with any coronavirus updates on the theatre's website.