With a spike in new cases across Nova Scotia, the live performance industry has been thrown into another tailspin and an uncertain future. Following today’s announcement from Nova Scotia’s Department of Public Health, Neptune Theatre has made the decision to pull the plug on their holiday shows.
As of Saturday, December 18, Neptune Theatre’s performances of Alice in Pantoland and Dickens’ A Christmas Carol have been cancelled. That does come with one big ‘however’ though: tonight’s performances will still be taking place with reduced capacity and physical distancing.
“Throughout this pandemic, Neptune has maintained that we will act in the best interest of our employees, artists and patrons,” says Lisa Bugden, Neptune Theatre’s General Manager. “After hearing Dr. Strang’s message urging Nova Scotians to limit their activities, we firmly believe this is in the best interest of our community.”
“This is disheartening news to deliver to our patrons at a time of year that’s about family and friends and being together,” adds Artistic Director Jeremy Webb. “Despite the disappointment and devastating effect on our industry, we support keeping our patrons, staff and artists safe.”
Not only are Neptune Theatre’s patrons encouraged to say safe, the theatre also wants them to stay merry. Despite not being able to see the show performed live, for those who are interested, Neptune Theatre is streaming last year’s performance of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol featuring Rhys Bevan-John on its digital platform Neptune at Home (neptuneathome.com).
In the meantime, the theatre will be contacting all patrons with tickets for its remaining holiday shows.
No word is yet available on what will be happening with Neptune Theatre’s recently announced Act Two of their 2021-2022 season.