Keswick’s Theatre By The Lake has cancelled its 2020 summer season, normally a huge draw for visitors from around the North West.
The theatre has been closed since March 17 and the cancellation has been forced by uncertainty over a reopening date: theatre bosses say they are unable to commit to the significant costs represented by the rep season.
The season, due to run May 21-October 31, included productions of Boeing Boeing and Rope, as well as four world premieres: The Climbers by Carmen Nasr, Wilt by Kieran Knowles, These Walls by Laura Lomas and Drown Your Empty Selves by Joseph Wilde.
Artistic director Liz Stevenson said: “This was an upsetting decision, but the only option available to us in the current circumstances. The considerable work needed to prepare, with the significant cost involved, presents too great a risk in a time of such huge upheaval and uncertainty.
“Our ultimate aim is to ensure that we continue to be Cumbria's producing theatre. We’re asking ticket holders to donate the cost of their ticket to support the theatre at this time, and are so grateful to the many people who have already done so – especially as we are aware that this is a difficult time for so many of you. Thank you for your support and patience."
Ticket requests are not currently being processed, but urgent emails to enquiries@theatrebythelake.com are being monitored by theatre staff. Contact with all advance ticket holders will begin again when the theatre reopens.
Online donations can be made through the website here.
More info here