New layout on show as Lancaster's Dukes theatre reopens for cinema screenings

Film buffs can start experiencing the 'new normal' in the cinema with Lancaster's Dukes theatre opening its doors again.
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The first screening for Dukes members takes place on Saturday, and a full programme then opens to the public from Tuesday, with two daytime and one evening film showing every day.

And visitors are welcome to take a walk around the Dukes on Friday July 31, between 10.30am and 4.30pm, to acclimatise to the new layout.

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Inside, they will see film character cut-outs - cleverly designed by deputy front of house manager Simon Nixon - to help give an idea of what the auditorium will look like.

Karen O'Neill, Dukes chief executive, next to the Sean Connery artwork. Photo: Kelvin StuttardKaren O'Neill, Dukes chief executive, next to the Sean Connery artwork. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
Karen O'Neill, Dukes chief executive, next to the Sean Connery artwork. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard

In the main Rake, visitors will find capacity cut to just 38 seats out of a possible 300. These are spaced out at two metre intervals and laid out in single and double seats.

All utilised seats can be accessed without having to get past another person on the row, meaning access to toilets is safe and easy.

In the Round, a second, smaller, cinema screen has been installed, and a maximum of 26 people can be catered for on double seats.

Capacities may be adjusted as government guidance changes.

How the Dukes looks with new social distancing measures in place. Photo: Kelvin StuttardHow the Dukes looks with new social distancing measures in place. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
How the Dukes looks with new social distancing measures in place. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
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A one-way system has been put in place throughout the whole theatre, with clearly signposted directions to toilets and exits.

Hand sanitiser stations have been positioned throughout, and seating has been removed in the bar area to allow for more space.

Visitors are being asked to wear face coverings throughout their time in the building, and perspex screens have been installed at the box office and the bar for extra safety.

While the bar is not currently open to the public so that the space can be better controlled, cinema goers can pre-order drinks and snacks online at the same time as booking their tickets, and the refreshments will be waiting for them on arrival, and can be taken into the auditorium as usual.

Simon Nixon, deputy front of house manager, with some of his celebrity guests. Photo: Kelvin StuttardSimon Nixon, deputy front of house manager, with some of his celebrity guests. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
Simon Nixon, deputy front of house manager, with some of his celebrity guests. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
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Both screens will open half an hour before the films start, to allow people to find their seats in plenty of time and acclimatise to the new seating arrangement.

Short films will be shown while people wait, and before the main screening starts, a film by local actress Helen Longworth will explain more about the social distancing measures the theatre has implemented.

Toilet facilities will operate on a strictly one in, one out basis to avoid overcrowding.

"It's taken us about four weeks to get everything sorted," Dukes director Karen O'Neill said. "We have had to do a lot of planning about how we could do it, and we tried a lot of different seating patterns and ways that people could move around the building to make it comfortable for people.

How the Dukes looks with new social distancing measures in place. Photo: Kelvin StuttardHow the Dukes looks with new social distancing measures in place. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
How the Dukes looks with new social distancing measures in place. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
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"We are trying to provide the safest and most comfortable experience for people that we can.

"We are really excited to be getting people back in the building, and we have had a really good and positive response. People are feeling very secure in the measures that we have taken.

"There's no profit being made from this - we are looking at a break even situation.

"The Arts Council has been really helpful in providing us with some emergency funding to help us out.

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"But our mission is to provide cultural opportunities for people in Lancaster and Morecambe, and it's important that we can reopen for people.

"We hope it will feel like we are a safe place for people who are maybe making their first steps back outside after lockdown."

New signage at the Dukes. Photo: Kelvin StuttardNew signage at the Dukes. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
New signage at the Dukes. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard

Karen said the Dukes team - and volunteers - have all undergone special training and are keen to get started again.

Front of house manager Karl Roe and technical manager Brent Lees in particular have been instrumental is helping get the premises up and running again.

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"It's a completely new way of working for them so we want them to feel safe and confident as well," she said. "We have more than 50 volunteers coming back too, which is great.

"It's been a great team effort."

Films due to be shown include new releases, films which people may have missed dfuring lockdown and also some old favourites such as Star Wars.

"We are really hoping that lockdown has made people discover new types of films so we can welcome people to new cultural experiences," Karen said.

The Dukes has also launched a digital channel, 'Digital Dukes', and has now reached 60,000 subscribers to their email newsletter.

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In addition, an interactive online 'whodunnit' theatre game for families has been set up on their website.

Tickets can be booked online here or visitors can also buy tickets via contactless payment at the box office.

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