IT'S not quite lights, camera, action, but there is movement for the entertainment industry in Tamworth.
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The majority of Tamworth Regional Council's (TRC) entertainment venues remain closed, but the Tamworth Community Centre will reopen its doors on Monday in a positive step forward.
TRC entertainment venues manager Peter Ross said it's exciting news for the many Tamworth locals who gather at the community centre.
"It means our probus groups, the O'Grady Drama school and other seniors groups can get back and gather in our community, which is a really great and positive thing," he said.
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Mr Ross said the Darling Street facility will relaunch next week with normal operating hours, but physical distancing measures and the four-square-metre rule will be in place.
Mr Ross said his fingers are crossed the state government will make an announcement about other entertainment facilities like theatres, cinemas and music and conference venues.
TRC is waiting to hear about reopening the TRECC, the Capitol Theatre and Tamworth's town hall.
The show will indeed go on, but it could be a little while away.
"Opening large venues ... with only 50-100 [people] is not really viable, so we're still working through how all that will work," Mr Ross said.
"We hope by Spring, we'll be able to get back into the rehearsal room and start rehearsing again for Mamma Mia!, which is slated to open at the Capitol Theatre on March 5, in 2021," Mr Ross said.
He assured locals the Capitol Theatre program is still packed with rescheduled shows and even new ones.
"We're just trying to be really positive about all the shows that we can still hold onto but at a new date, and of course, we're still scheduling new things into 2021," he said.
The Tamworth Dramatic Society's production of Steel Magnolias will still take to the stage, as will the musical society's rendition of Sweeney Todd, with dates yet to be announced.
Mr Ross said he was not focused on what closures and cancellations have cost, but rather on what shows and concerts they could keep working on and looking forward to.
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au
