Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
Local Theatre Updates
Belgrade Theatre Coventry
CV1 1GS
www.belgrade.co.uk
In these times of unprecedented uncertainty for the whole theatre industry, we've taken comfort from the fact that lots of you have asked how you can carry on supporting us while the building remains closed. The good news is that there are lots of ways that you can help us out - we've put together a few suggestions here: http://bit.ly/2vCAQ4s Huge thanks to everyone who has reached out.
Great news, grown-ups! Panto legend Iain Lauchlan and his comedy co-star Craig will be starring in new Cheeky Chimps episodes on YouTube at 10am every weekday! Do tune in for a bit of pre-panto fun!
Don't forget that tickets for this year's panto, Beauty and the Beast, are on sale now. Give your family something to look forward to by booking ahead at https://bit.ly/2U8hiyl
Bridgehouse Theatre
CV34 6PP
www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk
The theatre is now closed until further notice but you can book tickets here for later in the year when hopefully the theatre will be open again. https://bridgehousetheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows
Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
CV37 6BB
www.rsc.org.uk
AT HOME WITH SHAKESPEARE
Many of us are facing a long period of time at home, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we can still share the joy of theatre and Shakespeare with each other.
Over the coming weeks, we'll be keeping this page updated with all the ways you can enjoy our shows, features and other work even while the theatre is closed.
KEEP YOUR RSC
The RSC is a charity and our mission is to transform lives through amazing experiences of Shakespeare and great theatre. If you can, please consider supporting us by making a donation and Keep Your RSC.
WATCH OUR SHOWS FOR FREE ON MARQUEE TV
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Arts lovers can now sign up for a 14-day free trial on Marquee TV, the performing arts streaming service with a catalogue of more than 400 dance, opera and theatre productions.
We have 18 of our shows available through the service, including Hamlet (pictured), Richard II with David Tennant, and King Lear with Antony Sher.
SEE OUR PLAYS ON THE BBC
We have partnered with the BBC to bring audiences six of our shows between now and September, as part of their Culture in Quarantine initiative. Dates to be announced.
The plays chosen include our recent productions of Macbeth, with Christopher Eccleston in the title role, and Romeo and Juliet (pictured). There will also be activities and resources made available to support young people and students as they watch the plays.
SHARE YOUR SHAKESPEARE
Perform a speech, paint a picture or bake a cake – join the largest ever celebration of Shakespeare by audiences in our history.
EXPLORE OUR LEARNING RESOURCES
Dive into the Shakespeare Learning Zone, go behind the scenes and see how actors approach the plays with our Live Lessons and watch videos exploring key moments and relationships from Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream with Shakespeare Unlocked.
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT US ON YOUTUBE
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to explore our huge range of videos, including scenes from our shows, interviews with actors and creatives, and behind-the-scenes insights into how our productions make it to the stage.
DISCOVER SHAKESPEARE
Find out more about the life and times of William Shakespeare himself, and delve into our past productions of his plays with plot synopses, photos and video.
Royal Spa Centre
CV32 4HN
Royal Spa Centre, Royal Pump Rooms and Leamington Town Hall now closed
Tuesday 17th March
Royal Spa Centre, Royal Pump Rooms and Leamington Town Hall now closed
Following advice from Central Government:
- the Royal Spa Centre (including the cinema)
- the Royal Pump Rooms (including Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum and Leamington Library)
- Leamington Town Hall are now closed to the public with immediate effect in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
We apologize for the disappointment and disruption this may cause. The safety and well-being of our audiences, staff, artists and performers is of paramount importance.
This closure will be for an undetermined period of time and will remain under review in line with government advice. This is a fast changing situation and we will update our customers as soon as we can.
Initially, our Box Office team will be in contact with ticket holders for events in the next four weeks (Tuesday 17th March – Tuesday 14th April). If the closure period is extended, we will be in touch with bookers for future events in good time.
Please do not attempt to contact the Box Office as they are receiving a large volume of calls.
Please continue to check our websites and social media channels for further information.
Thank you for your patience and understanding which is invaluable during these challenging times.
Links to the latest information and advice from Central Government, Public Health England and the NHS can be found via the Council's website
Stratford Literary Festival
www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk
It is with enormous regret that we will not be going ahead with the Spring Festival because of Covid-19. We are following Government guidelines, and protecting our team, speakers and audience.
If you have bought tickets online or on the phone then the cost will be refunded direct to your payment card as soon as possible. This may take a few days.
If you bought tickets from the Box Office at the Play House, then purchases made by card will be refunded automatically. You will need to get a refund in person if you paid in cash. It is open 11am-3pm Tuesday to Saturday but as this may alter due to ongoing changes, please be reassured you will be refunded once it reopens. You can contact the Play House here.
Our WINTER WEEKEND is scheduled for 20th-22nd November and we will be back then with a brilliant programme. In the meantime, keep well and safe and we look forward to seeing you soon
Stratford Playhouse
CV37 6LU
www.stratfordplay.co.uk
We have been working with promoters to find alternative dates so events coming up can still be enjoyed.
We are naturally all in a state of uncertainty at present. However ALL SHOWS UP TO AND INCLUDING 24th APRIL ARE TO BE POSTPONED AND RESCHEDULED.
Our priority is to the health and wellbeing of our staff, visiting artists and our audiences so we will continue to monitor the situation during this period. We will adjust our plans as and when necessary in conjunction with advice from the government.
For those who have purchased tickets for the above period, you will be contacted in due course to discuss options. This is a difficult time for many in our industry and we are working hard to make the absolute best out of a difficult and worrying situation. We are naturally receiving a high number of emails and calls so we respectfully request customers not to call or email the venue regarding their event and instead kindly wait until we get in touch with you. We will keep you updated.
Again, Thank you for your patience and understanding.
From all the team at Stratford Play House
The Abbey Theatre
CV11 5DB
www.abbeytheatre.co.uk
It is with profound regret that we announce that the Abbey Theatre WILL be closing until further notice for both performances and meetings/rehearsals as of this evening, Monday March 16th.
We will of course closely monitor the situation and will update those groups concerned as and when we have new information.
Advance ticket sales purchased through our online box office partner – Ticketsource – will be refunded automatically by event, initially for events scheduled in the next 4 weeks, and we believe that Ticketsource will on this unusual occasion agree to refund some of the fees involved in such bookings although that much is outside of our direct control.
Advance sales paid for in cash will also be refunded to patrons. If you post your tickets to us at the address below with your return address and contact information we will arrange to either refund you by bank transfer or a cheque by return post.
Tickets you have purchased outside of the theatre’s own responsibility will be handled by the group directly involved.
We cannot at this stage offer alternative dates later in the year for events that have been cancelled but will look at the new season once the dust has settled on the crisis.
We understand this is very disappointing for our Patrons, user groups and volunteers but given the message delivered today by the PM we feel this is the most responsible course of action. Thank you for your continued support and we hope to welcome you all back very soon
The Albany Theatre
CV5 6JQ
www.albanytheatre.co.uk
Jekyll & Hyde (Virtual Reality)
Pre order now for September 11th 2020
A night out is now a night in!
Immerse yourself in a virtual theatre performance, see everything around you from floor to ceiling. Get the equipment (all you will need to provide is a smartphone) and you're ready.
The National Production Company have created a brand-new adaption of the classic novella Jekyll and Hyde but there's a twist, it's in virtual reality! Explore the set and story in way you never have before, all while in the comfort of your own home.
A show that stays true to the original tale whilst embracing the comedic magic of theatre in a hilarious fast paced spin! Full of unexpected highs and lows, quick costume changes and sharp wit, enjoy all of this and more with friends and family in virtual reality!
Age guidance: Considered suitable for ages 13+
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The Albany is pleased to announce that Zarah Sultana, Coventry South’s new MP, has joined the Board of the Charitable Trust that manages Coventry’s Albany Theatre and Studio on behalf of the community.
David Meredith, Albany Theatre Chair, says “Zarah has a genuine and deep interest in the Arts and is playing an active role in the campaign to save and support the UK arts industry that has been so severely affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. As our local MP Zarah has been particularly supportive as we seek to raise the funding, we need for the theatre’s planned development work. We are delighted that Zarah readily accepted our invitation to join the Board. This is a significant vote of confidence in the Trust and her influence both locally and in government will be extremely valuable for us as we deliver our Arts for Life Vision – once we are able to reopen!”
Zarah strongly urged the Chancellor in the weeks leading up to the recent government announcement to act to protect the arts and cultural industry locally, saying: “Coventry is home to excellent theatres, music venues, museums and galleries that serve a diverse community. It's part of the reason why we were awarded the honour of being City of Culture 2021. Without additional support, some of these may not survive to 2021.”
Following the government’s announcement, in Parliament on Thursday 9 July Zarah called on the Minister for Culture and Digital to ensure that emergency arts funding supports organisations in Coventry and has secured a meeting with the Minister to take this forward.
The Albany’s mission as an organisation is to engage, inspire and create through enriching the cultural life of Coventry and to support its communities in enhancing health and well-being . . . because the Arts are good for you! The Trust’s Vison to “promote well-being through Arts for Life” reflects Zarah’s professional work and makes her a superb addition to the theatre’s already expert Board of Trustees.
Kevin Shaw, the Albany’s CEO and Artistic Director, says “As an advocate for global movements towards an equal society, social justice, and the fight against climate change, Zarah works to support Coventry residents from all backgrounds, and plays a vital role supporting projects that boost community well-being and challenge the issues facing her constituents. This is also our agenda, so the ‘fit’ is perfect and we delighted Zarah agreed to join us.”
Zarah said “As someone who is passionate about theatre and making art and culture more accessible, I'm very excited to join the board and will offer support wherever possible. The Albany provides a key space for creative expression and entertainment in Coventry, not to mention the contribution it makes to the city through apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities.”
Zarah joins the Albany Theatre Trust at a pivotal time as they plan their safe reopening strategy and begin building developments in preparation for Coventry’s ‘slightly rescheduled’ year as UK City of Culture. The staff and volunteers are thrilled with the news of this new appointment and warmly welcome Zarah Sultana to the team. Zarah’s appointment has added a much-needed boost after a difficult time in the world of theatre.
Core Theatre, Solihull
B91 3RG
www.thecoretheatresolihull.co.uk
posted 20 Mar 2020
Whilst shows, classes and courses until 31 May are cancelled/postponed, we are also temporarily taking events off sale until the end of August until we receive further clarity on whether they will be able to go ahead.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.
Warwick Arts Centre 
CV4 7AL
www.warwickartscentre.co.uk
Updated 7th April
Following government advice, and alongside other UK arts organisations, Warwick Arts Centre is temporarily ceasing its building-based activities but we will be returning after this interval.
- Our Box Office is currently closed to the public
- Our teams are working remotely and can be contacted by email: ticketing@warwick.ac.uk. (Please note that emails will not be monitored from Fri 10 – Mon 13 Apr.)
- Our website is the place for updates on the current situation and information about all our autumn events coming soon.
Information for Ticket Buyers
Our programmed events until Mon 4 May are not going ahead. Any events after this date are under review in line with government advice. Please check our website over the coming days for further information regarding future performances.
Cancelled events
Anyone who has booked for a cancelled event within this timeframe will be notified by email and given instructions as to how their refund will be processed.
Rescheduled events
All bookers will be emailed and automatically moved into the new date. There is no need to do anything at this stage.
Stay safe. Follow all advice. Wash your hands. Keep a safe distance.
Many thanks for your understanding, and we very much appreciate your patience.
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