Aylesbury theatre adapts to new role during coronavirus restrictions

Unbound Theatre – QPAC’s production company-in-residence – will transform the theatre space into a recording studio later this summer. They’ll be working on a slate of new audio projects set for release online during the latter part of 2020.

Sarah Lewis, Artistic Director of QPAC, says: “Our staff team have been working incredibly hard to adapt the Centre and its operations in light of the Covid-19 outbreak.

“Whilst social distancing and the need to safeguard our audiences means we’re putting the autumn season at the Limelight on hold until 2021, our theatre will still be leading the way in the arts and entertainment with Unbound’s impressive roster of audio projects.”

Queens Park itself is currently closed to the public, but has taken its ‘arts for all’ ethos online since March with the #LiveCreativelyQPAC social media campaign and a new slate of online workshops, which have garnered positive feedback from students since launching in June.

Sarah continued: “Our hope is that the Centre will be able to resume its workshop programme – albeit altered to suit government guidelines – later this year.

“Any move towards reopening will of course be carefully considered so as not to create any undue risks, but we’re confident that the alterations and improvements we’re currently making to Queens Park will put us in a strong position to welcome visitors once again.

“In the meantime we’ve some exciting new online workshops planned to keep students of all ages engaged with the arts over the summer.”

Unbound have been producing acclaimed theatre shows since 2014, and have worked on a series of short films and audio content since the start of lockdown, all written, recorded and edited by members of the company working from home.

Dario Knight, Creative Producer of Unbound and QPAC’s Theatre Manager, says of the new project: “Whilst we’re sad to be postponing Limelight performances until the end of November, we didn’t want to see the theatre remaining empty.

“This new development enables us to keep producing high-quality drama and comedy, whilst working within social distancing guidelines. There’s never been a better time to step-up our audio output and I can’t wait to announce the first (epic) new project!”

The venue will also be working to present music content through live streams and pre-recorded performances, with work now underway to set the venue up for digital concerts. Shows previously planned between March and November 2020 are being postponed into 2021, and QPAC is in the process of contacting ticket holders regarding revised dates.

Sarah said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming audiences back to the Limelight in person as soon as we feel it’s safe and viable, but in the meantime we’re evolving to find new ways of reaching people and there are exciting, innovative times ahead for Queens Park, the Limelight and Unbound.”

To find out more about QPAC’s online workshops and digital content visit www.qpc.org or follow #LiveCreativelyQPAC on social media.