Coronavirus: Royalty Theatre latest Sunderland venue to announce temporary closure

Theatre bosses at Royalty Theatre, off Chester Road, say new government guidelines around coronavirus have prompted them to call a halt to proceedings for the remainder of the season.

The theatre was set to go ahead with its production of God of Carnage on Monday, March 23, but recent advice for people to stay away from theatres during the pandemic has seen many local theatres, professional and amateur, close their doors.

John Appleton, director of God of Carnage, said: “It’s bitterly disappointing, but there’s really no other way. Things have changed dramatically in the last few days and it’s what had to happen. It’s a terrible shame for the cast and crew – Rob, Corinne, Cameron and Rebecca, and my assistant director Emma have put a great deal of hard work into it. But people’s health has to be paramount.”

Along with God of Carnage, the plays Wait until Dark and Dirty Dusting have also been called off, as well as performances by visiting companies.

The theatre have promised that refunds will be given to those who have purchased tickets for in-house productions; ticket holders for visiting company shows should contact the visiting company.

All social events at the theatre have also been put on hold.

John added: “It’s hard to know when we’ll be able to begin operating again, but I’m optimistic that the situation won’t get in the way of our plans for next season.”

Other venues which have announced temporary closures following government advice include Sunderland Empire which has temporarily suspended its programme and the Customs House in South Shields which says it will not host any shows until further notice.

Sunderland City Council has also announced its decision to close of a number of venues due to COVID-19.

These are Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, Sunderland Library, Washington Town Centre Library, Houghton Library, Schools Library Service, the Arts Centre Washington and the Local History Library.