Today (16/3) marks a whole year since the closure of theatres around the UK.
On March 16th 2020, the pandemic left theatres across the country forced to close.
The past 12 months have seen around 154 performances be postponed or rescheduled so far at Milton Keynes Theatre alone.
As restrictions began to ease, and businesses gradually reopen across the country, there were glimpses of hope for the much-loved theatre to follow suit. The theatre begun to announce plans for Christmas performances such as Diversity's 'Jack and the Beanstalk' and socially-distanced pantomime 'Sleeping Beauty'.
However, when Milton Keynes was placed into Tier 3, the theatre had to cancel or postpone all remaining shows.
Emma Sullivan, Theatre Director for Milton Keynes Theatre took to twitter to say: "It's a year today since the venue echoed with the sounds of laughter and applause. We can't wait to welcome our audiences back. I can almost hear the applause at our first re-opening night already. What a joy that day will be"
Despite a long year with the theatres curtains closed, the venue is preparing to welcome customers after a rocky year for the industry and is hoping that the red curtain can open on May 17th - as part of the second stage of easing lockdown.
Lots of productions, including Ladysmith Black Mambazo and The Addams Family, are amongst those that have been rescheduled following months of closure.
And Milton Keynes Theatre is also preparing to welcome some new additions to the calendar, including SIX The Musical in November 2021.
Another production that will be coming to Milton Keynes later on in the year is the latest addition- Bedknobs and Broomsticks.
Tickets for the theatres future shows start from as little as £13 and can be found here.
