The show goes on despite Coronavirus
A Newry based theatre group has adapted to the current COVID-19 restrictions by streaming their latest production online
Theatres across Northern Ireland were supposed to re-open today, but the indicative given by the Executive of September 1st (today) has been pushed back again.
It was announced last Wednesday that wet-pubs and theatres won’t be able to get back to business because of concerns around the growing number of Coronavirus cases here.
The First and Deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill and Arlene Foster, have repeatedly said that restriction will be eased gradually and based on a variety of factors including: The latest medical and scientific advice, the level of transmission, the capacity of the Health and Social Care services to deal with Covid-19 cases as well as the need to resume normal services.
The Coronavirus ‘R’ rate of reproduction also contributes to the Executives decision making, which is the number used to tell how many new people are being infected by an existing case of coronavirus.
The Health Minister Robin Swann is expected to give an update on the ‘R’ number later today.
However, rather than not put on any shows, the Newpoint Theatre Group based in Newry have found an alternative way to ensure the show does go on.
The group live streamed their latest production of Newry: Now, Near & Never on August 28th.
Chairman Donal O'Hanlon said the live stream attracted around 250 views, which he said amounts to around a thousand people watching, he added:
“We had great success with our online stream given that it was behind a pay wall, a cheap pay wall which was three pounds a view.
“In the balmy September days that we hope are ahead that outdoor theatrical performances are okay, because we’ve has restaurants with 70 people outside, more power to them, but they’re able to do it and we are not.
“So, we had over 250 paying customers to see that and it will go free to the world from October onwards, when we’ve tidied it up a little bit.
“We would estimate from that a thousand people saw it which is more than we could have possibly squeezed into the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre in a week.
"So, we deem it very successful from that way, however there’s nothing to beat a live performance.
“We had to take the positive approach because every year we can have from 20 to 50 young people who were all rearing to go and are not satisfied with summer schemes that provide balls with various shapes to throw around or kick around they want to do drama.
“So, we were determined that we would go ahead all socially distanced, all done in bubbles.”
“Plays especially written for them in small numbers, even the plays made sure there was no hitting, snogging or any bodily contact whatsoever."
Mr O’Hanlon said he is hoping that throughout the month of September the group will be able to show outdoor theatrical performances, he said:
“In the balmy September days that we hope are ahead that outdoor theatrical performances are okay, because we’ve has restaurants with 70 people outside, more power to them, but they’re able to do it and we are not.
“So, please be precise in your wording of the legislation."