Kingston's Rose Theatre will reopen this June after an extended period of closure due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement published Wednesday, May 5, the beloved riverside theatre announced an extensive list of productions spanning from June through late August as they sought to return from months of closure with a bang.

Rose Chief Executive Robert O’Dowd described the impact of three national lockdown's on the Rose as "extremely difficult" as the theatre confirmed the reopening date as Sunday, June 27.

"I am very pleased to be able to confirm our summer reopening plans today, following what has been an extraordinarily difficult year for theatre," he said.

"All of us at the Rose look forward to welcoming back artists and audiences."

As the Surrey Comet reported previously, the Rose was previously threatened with closure but managed to survive thanks in part to emergency support from Kingston Council (RBK) and donations from the public.

A spokesperson for the theatre said the new season of productions would be taking place with coronavirus safety measures like physical distancing included, though the details awaited more information from the government before being finalised:

"This season of shows is launching on a socially distanced basis. We await updates on Step 4 of the Government’s roadmap and hope to reopen safely at full capacity.

"Even if measures do allow a return to full capacity, socially distanced performances will be available for most shows in the season.

"Check the individual show listings for details. Our audiences’ safety and wellbeing will always be at the forefront of our planning."

Click here for the full programme. 

Among the productions announced by the theatre are:

  • The International Youth Arts Festival by Creative Youth from 1 July 2021
  • Theatre Royal Bath’s Copenhagen by Michael Frayn, directed by Emma Howlett and starring Philip Arditti, Haydn Gwynne and Malcolm Sinclair, playing 20 - 24 July 2021
  • Rhum and Clay Theatre Company’s The War of The Worlds from 28 July – 1 August 2021
  • More performances for Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s Zog in August
  • A Shakespeare in the Sun Festival and the return of our popular Summer Schools programme as part of our learning and participation branch, Rose Participate.