AFTER more than a year of closures, our beloved theatres have finally been given the green light to reopen next week. 

The Prime Minister confirmed last night that theatres and event venues will be able to reopen on Monday, 17 May as part of stage three of the roadmap out of lockdown. 

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From Monday cinemas, museums, theatres and concert halls will be allowed to reopen although there will be capacity limits on large events.

Venues will be able to open with social distancing, with capacities capped at 50 per-cent or 1,000 people for indoor shows, and 50 per-cent or 4,000 people outdoors.

Elizabeth Symmons, corporate communications and marketing manager for BHLive said: 

"The news that we can reopen theatres for events is very welcome indeed.

"We can’t wait to see customers and colleagues enjoying live shows, entertainment and culture once more.

"The Circus of Horrors 25th Anniversary will be visiting next month.

Bournemouth Echo:

Sarah Millican will be performing at the BIC. (BHLive)

"In July Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club returns, and comedy favourite Sarah Millican, will be bringing her ‘Bobby Dazzler’ show to town. Other recently announced events at Bournemouth Pavilion include 100 Years Of Big Band - Len Phillips Swing Orchestra with Matt Ford & Nicola Emmanuelle.

"There will also be a series of community theatre and dance events to look forward to. Furthermore, Royal Blood and Jimmy Carr have just announced they’ll be playing to audiences next year at Bournemouth International Centre."

The Regent Centre will be reopening with award-winning shows

The glorious Regent Centre in Christchurch will also be drawing their red curtain for the first time in months following the latest government updates. 

After a brief four-week comeback last December, the Regent Centre has announced their reopening plans with a 2021 BAFTA and Golden Globe winning line-up of films from June 4 and the return of live shows from July 29.

A spokesperson for The Regent Centre said: "Our Christmas opening went really well so we were understandably disappointed when the time came to close again.

Bournemouth Echo:

The Regent Centre are ready to welcome back guests.

"In a survey to the near 3,000 visitors during that month, the overwhelming feedback was that our customers felt safe, relaxed and immersed in a sense of normality again for the first time in many months.

"We’re delighted that subject to the next 2 government phases running as predicted, we’ll be able resume performances again and slowly reintroduce other services within the building as the rules become clearer.

"It’s inevitable that there will be a period of adjustment as we all get used to new ways of enjoying indoor entertainment for a while, but we have a very detail-oriented team on board to make sure that everyone has a great time."

The news has been welcomed by theatres across the region who have already been planning a whole host of incredible live events for the public.

A spokesperson for the Lighthouse Theatre said: "Our stage is set to welcome back our wonderful audiences.

"Nothing beats the thrill of live performances, or sharing space with other people to enjoy a film screening, or meeting friends for coffee, or enjoying sunny days outside - all of these things are within reach at Lighthouse.

"Our galleries are both open on Tuesday and the Cinema and the incredible new Screen On Stage open on Friday with the first live performance on 28 May wen Circus of Horrors returns to the Theatre and, of course, were all really excited about the second season of Lighthouse: OUTSIDE that opens on 29 May in the Amphitheatre to the side of the building."

To find out more and to book tickets for any upcoming events be sure to visit each of the theatre's websites.