NEWS

Twelfth Night

August 9, 2020

By Ryan Evans

LIVE THEATRE will return to North Hampshire next month, as an Andover venue stages a performance, albeit outdoors, for the first time since March.

Whilst The Lights will remain closed because of the coronavirus lockdown, the theatre has been working with The Pantaloons to bring a live performance to Beech Hurst Park on August 9.

The two performances of the Twelfth Night, one at 2.30pm and another at 6pm, will take place in open air and will be restricted to ensure the safety.

Test Valley Borough Council leader, Cllr Phil North, said: “The gradual relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions means that we can bring some cheer back to the borough.

”Alongside the recent announcement that we will be able to provide a small programme of family fun for Four Fun Fridays in August, I am delighted to see that The Lights is adapting creatively to bring an entertaining slice of theatre back to the town.

"This is the first foray into providing a safe, socially distanced experience, and will be set within the lovely surroundings of Beech Hurst Park.”

It comes as the government recently eased coronavirus lockdown restrictions, allowing for outdoor theatre performances, as long as social distancing measures are met.

Regular performers at the venue, The Pantaloons have played to a packed house on many occasions with shows including A Christmas Carol, The War of the Worlds, The Odyssey, and Macbeth. Famously known for their comedic and clever interpretations of classic tales, they draw from a wide variety of popular theatre traditions, from commedia dell’arte and pantomime to stand-up comedy and silent movies, to bring what they consider to be a vital sense of “play” back to classical performance.

You can book tickets at thelights.org.uk or call 01264 368368.