COVID-19 Information

We are looking forward to welcoming members of the public back to the Lion Theatre in 2022 for our . As the COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving, we ask you to check back on this page regularly for changes and updates.

We remind everyone that while we take all reasonable steps to keep members and audiences safe, you attend Horncastle Theatre Company’s events at your own risk. COVID-19 is extremely contagious and is spread mainly from person-to-person contact, and we cannot guarantee you will not become infected. By participating in Theatre activities and events you agree that Horncastle Theatre Company bears no liability for any subsequent illness.

However, in order to keep yourself and others safe, we ask company members and audiences to follow government guidance and bear in mind the following:

PLEASE DON’T COME IF YOU ARE FEELING UNWELL

We would ask that you do not come to the Theatre or our events if you are feeling unwell, with symptoms of a cold, coronavirus or any other bug. You should not come if you have experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 in the past 14 days, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath among others.

We encourage you to take medical advice and consider whether you are part of a vulnerable group before attending.

PLEASE GET A NEGATIVE TEST

We currently ask that anyone attending Theatre events, including rehearsals and meetings, has a negative lateral flow COVID test before attending – even if you don’t have symptoms.

You can find further details of these tests here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/regular-rapid-coronavirus-tests-if-you-do-not-have-symptoms/

LFTs will be provided to members involved in current productions on request, who will be required to confirm a negative result when signing in back stage.

MASKS AND HAND SANITISING

We kindly request members of the public attending our events to wear a mask whilst in the Theatre, unless you are medically exempt. This is because the auditorium and other front of house areas are closed environments and performance seating will not be socially distanced.

Company members attending rehearsals should wear masks while inside the theatre where possible.

Please observe good personal hygiene and sanitise your hands on entering the building. Always use a handkerchief or tissue if you feel the need to cough or sneeze, and wash hands immediately.

VACCINATION

We are not currently asking members of the public to display proof of vaccination such as a vaccine passport, but reserve the right to do so in the future.

ICE CREAM AND REFRESHMENTS

Ice creams will be available at our performances, although we are not able to give change and so ask audiences to bring exact change, or pay for their ice creams at the time they buy their tickets to reduce the handling of cash. Tokens will be issued from the ticket desk which can be exchanged for an ice cream. We continue to ask that the public do not bring their own sweets or crisps which may disturb other people during the show.

Coffee and refreshments will be available to company members at rehearsals and meetings in the Theatre, although members are asked to bring their own mug. Members and stagers are welcome to bring their own hot or cold drinks and snacks.

CLEANING AND VENTILATION REGIMES

The Theatre will be ventilated between performances and other events and, where possible, during rehearsals. All touch points will be cleaned on a regular basis. Costumes and props will be cleaned between uses.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

Full refunds will be offered for tickets purchased for events which are cancelled due to lockdowns or outbreaks of illness in the Theatre. We regret that we cannot refund the booking fee for tickets booked online, as this is collected by TicketSource who manage these bookings on our behalf.

We reserve the right to decline entry to the Theatre for any reason, including non-compliance with COVID-19 precautions, in which case a refund may not be offered.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

Where possible, we ask you to maintain social distancing while in the Theatre, especially when queueing or where it is not possible to wear a mask. You should try to keep at least 2 metres distance from others.

There will be a one-way system in operation to access the toilets during performances.

CASH PAYMENTS

The Company will continue to accept cash payments for tickets and sundries in the Theatre and in the Box Office. However, we ask members of the public to pay for tickets online by card if possible to reduce the amount of cash changing hands.

RISK ASSESSMENTS

Anyone organising events at the Theatre or on behalf of the Company is reminded of the need to prepare specific risk assessments covering their planned activities, including COVID-19 precautions. Theatre Manager Brian Burbidge is able to provide advice and guidance on the necessary paperwork.

YOUNG STAGERS

We are currently limiting numbers at Young Stagers and Up Stagers meetings. We ask that Stagers are dropped off and picked up from the arch at the bottom of the Red Lion yard, and parents and guardians do not queue or enter the Theatre building if possible.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES

If you have any questions about the Theatre and COVID-19, please contact us.