Sun shone on first live show at Gainsborough's Trinity Arts Centre since Covid-19 lockdown

It was all smiles for 150 theatre goers, who showed their support for live theatre last night, at Trinity Arts Centre’s premier outdoor show.

Audiences unravelled their picnic blankets and unfolded their chairs as they settled in to watch two shows in one night.

Craig Sanders, Trinity Arts Centre manager, was delighted to see audiences back after being closed for such a long time.

He said: “It was such a lovely sight to see audiences again and for us to be able to showcase some of the changes we have made to our building and share our fantastic new brochure packed with shows.

"It was a successful first event and I was quite pleased more than 150 people attended and said how well organised and friendly the staff were.

“A lot of theatres nationally have reopened with professional shows but I am incredibly proud that our first show was a created and performed by local young people.

"They have been working with Shooting Fish and professional writers for months and rehearsing in our space and I think they did an amazing job.”

Shooting Fish Theatre Company have been working with young people from Gainsborough on the productions as part of the Gainsborough Literacy Project, which aims to support young peoples’ skills development.

Young people presented a short play called, A Slip of the Tongue in co-collaboration with The Old Nick Theatre and Museum. This was followed by a performance of No Picnic.

Shooting Fish worked with Community Learning in Partnership (CLIP) over the last six months, developing a new script, supported by professional writer, Rob Johnston.

Anita Kirkwood and Lisa Stevens who both work at Community Learning in Partnership (CLIP) attended the event.

Anita said: “The Students at CLIP have been involved in the production and we are quite excited to see what they have created.”

Lisa said: "It is great to be able to watch live shows again.”