All necessary measures will be taken to ensure the safety of audiences, cast and supporting crew for the re-opening of the Sewell Barn Theatre. Changes to our usual procedures have been made in accordance with the latest government Covid guidelines for the performing arts, on the basis that Norwich remains at ‘medium’ local Covid alert level (Tier 1).  In particular, please note that:

• all tickets need to be pre-booked
• audience numbers are much reduced to ensure social distancing
• facemasks need to worn in the theatre
• interval refreshments need to be pre-ordered.

Booking tickets

1.  All bookings must be either online via www.ticketsource.co.uk/sewellbarn, or by phone or visit to St. George’s Music Shop (01603 626414; 17-19 St George’s Street, NR3 1AB).  Proof of purchase should be shown at the theatre, either as an e-ticket print-out or on a mobile device (phone or tablet).

2.  Each booking should be for a household group or social bubble of between 1 - 6 who will sit together. All members of a group must be contactable through the email or phone number of the individual making the booking.

3.  Anyone developing Covid symptoms, or advised to self-isolate, after making a booking must NOT attend the performance.  Full refunds or ticket credits for future productions will be provided under such circumstances.  Similar arrangements will apply if the production has to be re-scheduled or cancelled.

At the theatre

4.  Covid-secure arrangements require that facemasks are worn by all members of the audience within the theatre - also that social distancing is maintained between different groups (no mingling!), and that everyone uses the hand sanitisers provided in the foyer.  A QR code is available in the theatre foyer.

5.  Audience members should aim to arrive between 7.10 – 7.20 pm for evening performances starting at 7.30 pm; we regret late arrivals cannot be admitted.  After pre-booked tickets are checked, stewards will direct audience members to seats allocated to different group sizes, entering the auditorium via the stage.

6.  The directed seating will allow at least three empty seats between different groups in the same row, and only the upper and lower rows of seats will be used.  These two measures reduce the theatre’s maximum capacity to 25 (instead of 100 previously), to ensure social distancing during the performance.

7.  Printed programmes are included in the ticket price, and will be available on seats.

8.  The foyer bar will not be open.  Instead, interval refreshments need to be pre-ordered when ticket bookings are made.  Facemasks can be removed for drinking or eating.

9.  The toilets will be available for use before and after performances, and during the interval.  Please follow the marked one-way routes and observe social distancing.

10.  Please note that we have increased our cleaning procedures in the theatre, with all high-contact points sanitised regularly.

Cast and supporting crew

11.  The ‘rule of six’ will be followed for cast members, supporting crew and Front of House volunteers.

The Sewell Barn Theatre Management is confident that these arrangements will enable audiences to safely return to the Barn, and once again enjoy the experience of live theatre. Nevertheless, circumstances could change, and we might need to reschedule at short notice. If that should occur, those affected will be informed as soon as possible, with refunds/re-bookings made available.  And if any audience member should feel unwell after visiting our theatre, they should let us know (tel: 01603 431710) at the earliest opportunity.