THE Regal Theatre, in Minehead, is to open for the first event to be held since lockdown began in March with a matinée screening of Little Women on Saturday (September 5).  

The film at 2pm is organised by the Regal Film Society and will be open to the public. Everyone will be asked to use the hand sanitiser provided and wear a face mask on entering the theatre.  

“Regal Theatre volunteers have been very busy during the past months making improvements to the theatre and its operational efficiency,” said MAA chairman Victoria Thomas.

“First and foremost, a great deal of thought has gone into meeting current government guidelines to ensure that our audiences and volunteers are protected, with safety precautions and practical social distancing measures in place for when the theatre reopens.”

Writer-director Greta Gerwig’s Oscar and BAFTA-winning Little Women (Cert U) draws on both the classic novel and the wider writings of Louisa May Alcott.   

The film unfolds as the author’s alter ego Jo March reflects on her life. The much-loved story of the March sisters – four young women each determined to live life on her own terms – is both timeless and timely. 

Saoirse Ronan plays Jo with Emma Watson, Florence Pugh and Eliza Scanlen as her sisters Meg, Amy and Beth. The film also stars Meryl Streep, Timothée Chalamet and Laura Dern.

Tickets costing £5 (Regal Film Society members £3) may be booked by phoning the box office on 01643 706430 between 9.30am and 12.30pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.   

It is not possible at this stage to offer online booking or to open the box office for ticket sales in person.  The theatre bar will not be open for refreshments before performances until further notice.

Plans at the Regal have focused on finding a way forward at a time when the coronavirus pandemic represents an unprecedented challenge to the entertainment industry and particularly theatre venues like the Regal, which is run entirely by volunteers. 

“Work to replace the roof is almost complete and while the theatre has been closed we have taken the opportunity to carry out some internal decoration, and start a major backstage project to develop an area in the basement into brand new dressing rooms,” said Victoria.

“Despite losing a significant amount of money on a daily basis just from having to run the Regal building over the past six months without any revenue from shows, we are thrilled to have received some support from generous well-wishers in the community as well as the Government small business grant.  

“Prudent management by our treasurer Jean Armin has also ensured that we have some financial reserves to cushion us from the worst effects of the lockdown.

“That’s not to say that our bank balance isn’t considerably down on where it was six months ago but, all things considered, the Regal Theatre is in great shape and all the volunteers are looking forward to welcoming our audiences back.”