Well, this isn’t exactly how we planned on celebrating World Theatre Day here at VillaGaiety… The closure of our beautiful theatre, although absolutely necessary, is sad nonetheless. However, we are thinking of this closure as only an extended interval!
You may or may not be aware that the Gaiety Theatre is 120 years young this year. Designed by renowned architect Frank Matcham as an opera house and theatre, the Gaiety Theatre opened on the 16th of July, 1900. As part of our plans to commemorate this milestone, we’ve been working with the brilliant local artist Adam Berry on something special and what better day to share our official 120-year celebration artwork with you than on World Theatre Day! In the coming months, we’ll have merchandise available to purchase and we’re also planning events to celebrate the occasion. However, due to the on-going situation regarding COVID-19, plans will be regularly reviewed in light of the developing situation and as such, all plans are subject to change/cancellation.
As part of the celebrations, we’ve put our Gaiety Theatre Tours on sale so you can come take a look around our theatre and experience the Victorian grandeur for yourself. However, due to the current situation with COVID-19, instead of starting in April as planned, in line with Government safety advice, tours will now begin on Saturday 11th July 2020. Please note that VillaGaiety are continuing to closely monitor the developing situation and will provide updates about our tours if and when they become available.
We must reiterate to all customers that in accordance with the IOM Government’s public advice, please do not attend any of our box office outlets to purchase tickets for forthcoming shows. Tickets CANNOT be purchased in person at either the Welcome Centre or Villa Marina Reception until further notice.
As we are currently closed, why not consider supporting your local theatre in other ways? A great way you can show your support is by donating to ‘The Friends of the Gaiety Theatre’ here. The Friends of the Gaiety Theatre is a charity which aims to fund projects that restore the original Victorian splendour of the theatre as well as providing Front of House volunteers to help deliver the many performances staged in the Gaiety. Their work ensures the Gaiety Theatre is preserved as one of the finest examples of a Victorian theatre in the British Isles and their help is and has been invaluable in ensuring that Manx audiences can continue to enjoy performances there for hopefully years to come. You can also purchase a gift voucher here. This can be used later in the year to see a show or film and we’ve extended the expiry date for all of our gift vouchers so they can now be redeemed up to 18 months from the date of purchase.
Happy World Theatre Day – during these difficult times it is even more important to remember the power and joy theatre can bring.
We also want to take this opportunity to say a HUGE thank you to all our staff, hirers, friends, customers, supporters and performers who keep the magic happening. We have the best audience around!