The organiser of a Moray theatre group has warned reduced capacity in venues may make performances unviable for communities.
Elgin Amateur Dramatic Society has been forced to cancel what was due to be its 70th anniversary pantomime, Peter Pan in the face of coronavirus.
It will be the first time the group has not held a festive show in 44 years.
Performers have battled hardships before, by overcoming flooded venues, broken boilers and even the threat of losing their venue to last year’s snap General Election as it needed to be commandeered to host the count.
However, organisers have been forced to take the heart-breaking decision this year as physical distancing rules will make rehearsing for the timeless tale – which has been adapted by member Amanda Craib – impossible.
Group secretary Linda Marquardt, who is also a director of Elgin Town Hall for the Community, believes ongoing health guidelines may mean cancellations for months to come or the radical altering of shows.
She said: “Social distancing obviously makes it very difficult to rehearse, particularly when you are singing and dancing.
“It would also be very disheartening to be performing to half-full halls, with the audience spread out in the venue, if we were able to go ahead.
“But the other thing that we have had to balance is that we usually spend about £12,000 putting on the pantomime.
“We’re not a profit-making company and if we can’t at least break even through ticket sales and everything else then it just isn’t possible to put on a show.”
Elgin Town Hall for the Community has already warned of a “very busy” 2021 schedule with several summer shows being pushed back to next year due to the pandemic.
The Scottish Government has published an indicative date of September 14 for theatres, concert halls and other indoor entertainment venues to reopen.
However, physical distancing requirements and restricted numbers are expected to be conditions for locations that are able to hold performances.
Janice Hyndman, president of Elgin Amateur Dramatic Society, revealed the group would instead stage its Peter Pan production next year.
She said: “Our priority is to ensure the safety of our members and audiences during the current pandemic and ongoing restrictions on indoor shows mean that rehearsals, set building and performances are not viable for the society at this time.”
