Published: 09 Feb 2022
The Webster Memorial Theatre, courtesy of ANGUSalive
The Webster Memorial Theatre in Arbroath is calling on the community of Angus to return to their local theatre following the easing of restrictions.
One of the oldest theatres in the region, the Webster was closed for 18 months since the start of lockdown in March 2020 and reopened in October 2021.
Despite having programmed around 60 shows set to perform at the 500-capacity auditorium between now and March 2023, including fantastic tribute acts like Totally Tina and The Cavern Beatles, comedy favourites Jack Dee and Carl Hutchinson as well as Shrek the Musical and Dinosaur Adventure Live, the numbers of visitors are around 25% less than pre-pandemic levels.
The Webster Memorial Theatre has been entertaining audiences for over 100 years, on average attracting around 38,000 attendees a year prior to Covid. A number of steps have been taken to ensure audiences feel safe when visiting the theatre since reopening last year. Following further relaxation of the Covid rules recently, the hope was that audiences would start to return and book up for shows but sadly the numbers haven’t matched the initial re-opening weekend or pre-pandemic levels.
Interior of the Webster Memorial Theatre, courtesy of ANGUSalive
Claire Drummie Duty Manager at ANGUSalive Webster Memorial Theatre said: “Our reopening weekend last year saw a fantastic attendance with 876 visiting the theatre over the three days.
“It was great to raise the curtain once again and welcome the community back as well as have colleagues return as many were on furlough for an extensive period. Arbroath and the theatre itself have a special buzz about them when there is a Webster show on.
“Although we’re absolutely delighted that restrictions are easing and we’re able to put on shows once again, we’re not seeing bookings pick up in the same way we’d hoped. It’s also important to stress that if people are nervous to return due to Covid, we do continue to follow all the measures required to help keep customers and colleagues safe.
“We’re optimistic that locals and visitors alike will return in the coming weeks and months to help us generate that special buzz again and provide unforgettable experiences. As we’re a not-for-profit theatre, we rely on the support of our funders, donors and the local community to keep our doors open as well as re-invest in the theatre for the future.”
Laura Mackenzie-Stuart, Head of Theatre at Creative Scotland says: “The historic Webster Memorial Theatre has played a key role in the community life of Arbroath for decades, and while Covid-19 has had an impact on the number of visitors of late, it is hoped that the theatre will quickly bounce back as the sector continues to emerge from the pandemic. Cultural experiences, such as theatre, provide important benefits, not only for the local economy, but also for people of all ages within the community.”
Find out what's on at The Webster Memorial Theatre.
Find out what safety measures are in place at the Webster Memorial Theatre.
ANGUSalive is the culture, sport and leisure trust for the county of Angus and has been operating since December 2015. The charity is ambitious and aims to provide the best services for its customers. ANGUSalive offers residents and visitors to Angus a wealth of services which are ‘changing lives by inspiring healthy, active and creative lifestyle choices’through the use of its sports centres, country parks, theatres and venues, museums, galleries, archives and libraries. ANGUSalive is a registered Scottish charity No. SC046133.
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot
