The Regal Theatre in Minehead is set to re-open – if Government restrictions allow – with a matinee performance of the newly-released A Christmas Carol (PG) next Saturday (December 5).

The show marks the start of a programme of Christmas Saturday matinees with Disney’s Frozen 2 (U) on Saturday, December 12, and the ballet The Nutcracker from the Royal Opera House on Saturday, December 19.

Regal Theatre chairman Victoria Thomas said: “The intrepid team of Regal volunteers has been working hard to ensure the theatre is ready and safe for audiences to return.

“Regal volunteers are valued more than ever before for meeting the extra challenges posed by Covid-19, as are those who support our unique community theatre, whether by attending events, making donations or joining the mailing list.”

Government guidelines have been implemented to ensure that audiences and volunteers are protected, with safety precautions and social distancing measures in place.

Many of those who have already attended events since the re-opening of the Regal in early September gave positive feedback about their experience, saying they felt confident their safety was given priority.

Each side of individually booked seats – or blocks of seats booked for people from one household – will be two empty seats to comply with social distancing guidelines. Everyone will be asked to use the hand sanitiser provided and wear a face mask when they arrive.

Tickets for A Christmas Carol, screened at 2.30pm, and Frozen 2 are on sale and can only be booked by phoning the Regal box office on 01643 706430 between 9.30am and noon (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday).

Tickets for A Christmas Carol are £7.50 – £5.50 for Regal Film Society members, Friends of the Regal, full-time students/unemployed – and for Frozen 2 are £5 – £3 concessionary.

Online booking is not possible and the box office cannot open – and the theatre bar will not be open for refreshments before performances until further notice.