‘Pent up demand’ to use Peterborough theatres post-Covid lockdown

The Key Theatre in Peterborough which was previously run by Vivacity

It has been a torrid time for the industry during the coronavirus pandemic with the doors largely remaining closed and performances rescheduled or cancelled.

But cabinet member for culture at Peterborough City Council Cllr Steve Allen believes there will be huge demand once theatres re-open, with the city’s three different operators likely to work together to help each other out.

Speaking to the Peterborough Telegraph about the city’s new Culture Strategy, he said: “It’s great that we’re looking at co-operation from the three theatres. Clearly they will compete but they have to realise they will all need to co-operate on diary clashes.

“It’s not for me to suggest to The Cresset or New Theatre Peterborough what they should be staging but they perhaps need to realise their own niches, then they can be successful.”

The Key Theatre is run by City Culture Peterborough, one of several culture and arts services contracted out by the council.

And Cllr Allen is determined that the theatre near the Embankment will be ready to offer customers a full range of performances when it gets the go ahead from the Government to re-open.

“Many entertainers had bookings postponed but they will hopefully be ready to go when they are able to,” he said.

“I see pent up demand from the public but organisations like the Key - and I’m sure The Cresset and New Theatre Peterborough are in the same situation - have to make sure they have acts they’re ready with.

“I’m assured we’re talking to various organisations which provide tours that we will have programmes ready. It won’t be an instant switch on but we will progress to a full programme.”

As for how arts groups across Peterborough have managed during the pandemic, Cllr Allen added: “The groups are very much working online to keep their operations going.

“Metal and several other organisations are doing podcasts and such like.

“We all get moribund being trapped in houses and working from home. I’m hopeful that we can come out of this without having lost our drive and aspirations.”