TO make sure a local pantomime can go ahead, the cast and crew are being regularly tested for coronavirus using tests which show results in 10 minutes.
PocDoc and Corn Exchange Newbury announced a unique collaboration in order to ensure the curtains are pulled back in time for this year’s annual pantomime, Aladdin.
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The cast and crew are regularly tested in collaboration with PocDoc, the end-to-end digital Covid-19 testing platform, with results showing in 10 minutes.
All of the cast have been tested before rehearsals start, allowing them to prepare for the opening night, and staff will continue to be tested right the way through to the show run.
The venue will be adhering to strict safety precautions for visitors, and in order to make the pantomime possible they have reconfigured their auditorium seating to create a capacity of 60 per cent whilst still adhering to social distancing measures.
The new seating layout will have more space between rows, the new seats will have individual arm rests, and each household group will be kept separate using dividing polycarbonate screens.
Steve Roest, CEO and Founder of PocDoc said: “It’s been a tough year for the entertainment industry, and we’re thrilled that PocDoc can support the Corn Exchange Newbury in getting back to work, providing the local town with some much-needed fun before Christmas, through rapid coronavirus testing."
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Katy Griffiths, Director of the Corn Exchange Newbury added: “We have always been working to find a way for our annual pantomime to go ahead safely this year.
"Alongside all of the creative and practical changes we’ve had to make, partnering with PocDoc has allowed us to take the necessary steps to make sure the cast of this year’s panto can remain safe from Coronavirus and the show can go on.”
Aladdin plays at the Corn Exchange Newbury from Thursday, December 3, 2020 until Sunday, January 3, 2021.
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