Northampton’s Derngate extends closure as coronavirus pandemic continues

A Northampton theatre that is currently shut due to the coronavirus pandemic has announced an extension to the closure.

Royal & Derngate suspended all its performances on March 18 with the intention to re-open on May 11.As a national lockdown has since been imposed and the pandemic has worsened the theatre has now made the decision to extend the closure until May 31.

In a statement from, chief executive Jo Gordon and artistic director James Acre, said: “In light of continuing government advice, we are not able to re-open on Monday 11 May.

“We will continue to contact all ticket holders directly to explain the position regarding bookings.

“In most instances this will be to advise of a new rescheduled date or discuss other options.

“At the present time, we are contacting those up to and including Sunday 31 May.

“Our team is working hard with promoters, producing partners and other stakeholders on performances after that and we will update you with more news as soon as possible.”

Before the extension was announced, the theatre was dealing with more than 40 postponed shows, only 14 of which had been cancelled. The rest have been rearranged on a later date.

With the closure now due to last an additional two weeks, the total number has risen to more than 50, including several performances of ‘We Will Rock You’.

The statement continued: “The vast majority of customers have retained their seats for rescheduled dates or accepted a credit note for a future performance.

“At a time when we are only too aware of the financial impact COVID-19 is having on our audiences, we’ve also been moved by the number of customers who have donated part or all of their ticket value to us.

“This support is invaluable and will make a huge difference to us as we work towards a successful re-opening.

“We look forward to welcoming you back at the theatre as soon as it is safe to do so. Please continue to look after yourselves and others in the meantime.”

To find the full list of new dates and cancelled shows, visit the theatre’s website.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper when you do your weekly shop.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you