The Lowry in Salford has confirmed plans to stage not one but two Christmas shows from November.
The Salford Quays arts centre will offer the international smash-hit musical SIX (November 27 - January 22) and family favourite The Gruffalo (December 12 – January 10).
Both shows were originally to be staged in the venue’s 450-seat Quays theatre, but have now been moved into the 1,700-seat Lyric theatre, to allow for adequate social distancing.
Temperature checks will be made on all audience members and a face-covering policy and staggered entry times will be in place.
Chief executive Julia Fawcett said: “Moving an audience of 450 into an auditorium that can seat 1,700 has allowed us to accommodate the required social distancing measures.
"It’s desperately sad to see so many theatres with no option but to remain closed at Christmas. We just want to do everything we can to ensure ‘the show will go on’.”
Global phenomenon SIX returns to The Lowry after a sell-out run last Christmas. Producers Kenny Wax, Wendy & Andy Barnes and George Stiles said, "With social distancing it is unlikely to be economically viable, but we hope to entertain many thousands of theatregoers who have been starved of live entertainment since March."
Existing ticket holders for both shows are being contacted and new bookings for SIX go on sale at 10am on Wednesday.
New bookings for The Gruffalo go on sale on Friday, September 25.
Tickets and more information here.