Following a successful reopening of its cinema in August, Lancaster's The Dukes has announced the return of live performance from the end of September.
A season of live theatre and comedy at Moor Space, the company's second site in Moor Lane, will start with heart-warming comedy-drama Ladies That Bus from September 29-October 1, inspired by the passengers and travel-tales of the 555 bus between Lancaster and Keswick. The popular play made its debut at The Dukes in February to critical acclaim.
Audiences will also be able to enjoy two family shows, Puss in Boots, starring CBeebies’ Patrick Lynch, on October 24 and puppetry show Ugg 'n' Ogg and the World’s First Dogg on October 29.
There is also an off-site collaboration with Lancaster Arts, which brings theatre company imitating the dog and Leeds Playhouse’s co-production of Dr Blood’s Old Travelling Show to Lancaster University on October 20-21 (tickets from Lancaster Arts).
Tickets for the Moor Space performances are on sale now both online or by phoning the box ofice on 01524 598500 (tickets must be bought in advance, and as the café-bar remains closed, buyers can pre-order refreshments when buying. All performances will take place with strict safety measures.
As with the reopening of their cinema, The Dukes has introduced safety measures and made adjustments to allow audiences back, including socially-distanced seating plans and sanitiser stations. Masks will also be required.
Dukes’ director Karen O’Neill said: “The Dukes is so happy to be bringing live theatre back to Lancaster this autumn. We’ve transformed our Moor Space into a social distanced theatre, the measures are in place and we’re thrilled that the first performance is the glorious return of Ladies that Bus – a love-letter to the local area.
Further information here.