Future of the Quay Theatre in jeopardy over impact of coronavirus outbreak measures

Sudbury’s Quay Theatre could be ruined by the impact of measures put in place to protect people from the coronavirus by advising theatres, restaurants and bars to close.

Manager Sharon Buckler said the decision was taken by the theatre board to close on Tuesday, following government advice on restricting social gatherings in a bid to restrict the spread of the virus.

She said: “We ticked all the boxes because we are a theatre, restaurant and a bar.

“This is hugely bad news for the theatre. We are asking people not to demand refunds and we are asking them, instead, to consider it as a donation – otherwise it could ruin us.

“We are trying to reschedule the bookings for next year. We realise this is difficult for people, but we are imploring them to bear with us. A lot of people’s livelihoods are at stake.”

The Quay, which is supported by both Babergh District Council and Sudbury Town Council, had film, music, drama and live cinema events planned.

The hope is that it may be able to reopen at the end of May, but, in the meantime, acts are being contacted in the hope they can be rescheduled for another date, possibly next year. Mrs Buckler said the office would stay open for the time being.