A Return to the Alexandra Theatre

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(AD – event invite*) I was invited along with a plus one to celebrate the return of live performances to Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre. No review was required but I wanted to share with you the joy of my return to the Alexandra Theatre, and the measures that the venue are taking to keep their guests safe.

It’s been 491 days since The Alexandra Theatre closed it’s doors. 491 days since I got the message I’d been expecting since leaving the house for the press night of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. 491 days since the curtain fell on stages of theatres all over England. But on 20th July 2021, live performances returned to the stage of the Alex. And I was excited to be invited to their welcome back event.

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That event was a song and dance spectacular from two of Strictly Come Dancing’s much loved professional dancers, ballroom king Anton Du Beke and Italian stallion Giovanni Pernice. The audience were so excited to be out-out that the stars could have read the back of a cereal packet and there would have still been a standing ovation. We were sitting in the stalls, and it was pleasing to see how many people had turned out to see the show, dipping a toe back into the waters of live theatre.

A safe return to the Alexandra Theatre

But what is it like visiting the Alexandra Theatre in these times? Have they dropped all restrictions and allowed a free-for-all? The good news for the Covid-cautious amongst us is that no, they haven’t. In fact, in light that you’re sitting with a bunch of strangers for two hours in an indoor venue, the Alex has retained many of the hygiene features that we’ve become accustomed to. Hand sanitisers. Cashless payments. The wearing of face masks. There are two designated entrances, ensuring fewer crowds gathering in the foyer. You can even order food and drink direct to your seat in the auditorium.

The biggest change at the moment is proof of current COVID-19 status. All over-18s must provide either confirmation of double vaccination (+ 14 days), or of a recent negative lateral flow test. This is demonstrated via the NHS Covid Pass. The controversial “Covid Passport”. This may well be a stumbling block to some visitors, particularly those that may not be tech-savvy. Even we fumbled at the entrance point, juggling phones and trying to unlock apps with a sweaty thumbprint. Negative comments on an earlier Facebook post by the Alex seemed to suggest that the theatre would find itself devoid of all custom if this was introduced, but if last night’s audience was anything to go by this was anything but a deterrent.

Mask-wearing did seem a little hit-and-miss once we got into the auditorium. We endeavoured to keep ours on as much as possible, although a mask-and-glasses combo on one of the hottest days of the year meant frequent slippage and steaming up. Although that may have been the heat generated by the surrounding ladies ogling Giovanni. Or Anton. Take your pick.

A triumphant return to the Alexandra Theatre

I for one welcome the guidelines that the Alexandra have put in place. Social distancing is almost impossible in theatres, so these small inconveniences are the best way that venues can help to protect their guests. I thoroughly enjoyed my return to the Alexandra theatre, and can’t wait to make live theatre a regular appointment in my diary once more.

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