A THEATRE’s hopes for a triumphant return have been dashed as new Tier 3 restrictions prevented it once again from reopening.

Halstead’s Empire Theatre was set to open its doors to the public again this month after the pandemic forced it to close in March.

Over the past few months, the dedicated volunteers of the Empire Theatre Trust had been working tirelessly to give the theatre an upgrade in anticipation for its reopening.

With improvements such as a bigger screen and a new sound system, the group were hoping to see visitors on December 30 for a showing of Last Christmas.

However, the Government announcement that the district coronavirus alert was being put up to the maximum Tier 3 earlier this week meant that all indoor entertainment venues such as cinemas and theatres have to shut.

Halstead Gazette: Halstead's Empire TheatreHalstead's Empire Theatre

Empire Theatre chairman Mike George, who has been working with the trust for 24 years, said he was very disappointed to hear the news.

He said: “When we heard the news that it was likely we we’re going into Tier 3, we were hoping that maybe we wouldn’t.

“People like us don’t get any support. We just survive off our own back.

“All the effort with the new screen, sound system and trying to make the place Covid-friendly – it was very soul-destroying to think we’ve come this far.

“It’s very difficult for the theatre industry.

“In the financial aspect, we do still have funds.

“We’re not haemorrhaging money but there’s no income to cover the bills.

“We’re back to square one again.”

While theatres such as the Quay Theatre in Sudbury and Mercury Theatre in Colchester received hundreds of thousands of pounds in pandemic grant money, the Empire Theatre only received £10,000.

Mr George added: “We haven’t qualified for any grants because we are a voluntary group, so we’ve had to pay for most things ourselves.

“Our volunteers are beavering away to help get our community project back up and running again.

“They say we haven’t qualified for grants because we have no staff and we’re not in imminent risk of closure.

“But we have bills to pay and insurance, same as everyone else.

“We’re here to support the public with a proper theatre, that’s what we’re there for.

“The number of hours people put into that place is unbelievable.

“We all just do it for the love of it.

“We’re downhearted but we’re very positive about next year.”

The group are still on the hunt for grants to help them with further improvements including a new heating system.