Swanage’s iconic Mowlem Theatre is set to reopen in October with a series of event screenings and popular family movies.
The Mowlem closed more six months ago as the UK went into lockdown. Like theatres across the country, it has remained closed throughout the summer even while Swanage has been filled with visitors. The Mowlem’s Trustees and General Manager Thomas Curtis considered reopening for cinema showings during the holiday season but considered the continued risk of Coronavirus too great at that time.
With the risk now greatly reduced, and with additional cleaning, social distancing and safety measures in place, the theatre’s management are now confident that audiences can be attracted back. They are also confident that visitors will be impressed with the work that has been carried out to The Mowlem’s interior over the past months, with Trustees and volunteers redecorating the foyer, landings and auditorium.
Chair of The Mowlem Trust Matt Haysom said that “We’ve decorated everything from the auditorium to the ladies’ loos, some of it for the first time in twenty years. We think people will like what they see!”
The opening programme includes a series of five event screenings beginning with Matthew Bourne’s ‘The Red Shoes’ filmed live at Sadler’s Wells in London, and including live recordings of 42nd Street, Kinky Boots and The King & I. During October half term The Mowlem will also show three family favourite movies priced at just £5.
According to General Manager Thomas Curtis The Mowlem will be returning better than ever. “We’ve made lots of improvements behind the scenes to make people’s visit an experience to remember. We want to remind people why the theatre is a special place to be, a real event they can look forward to.”
Tickets for all events can be bought online at www.mowlemtheatre.co.uk, by calling 0333 666 3366 or by visiting the Box Office on Mondays and Fridays between 10am and 1pm.