A CUMBRIAN theatre will likely be one of the first in the country to resume indoor performances - one second after midnight - this weekend.

The Beggar’s Theatre in Millom is showcasing the upbeat comedy, The Grand Cavalcade, just after midnight on Friday in line with the easing of government restrictions.

The venue is believed to be the first in country to host an indoor performance since theatres closed their doors in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Jakki Moore, company director of The Beggar’s Theatre, described the reopening as ‘awesome’.

She said: “I was sat here with anticipation wondering what was going on then was over the moon when the announcement came in that we could reopen from Saturday.

“I immediately got in touch with Gary Biggins who was the first to do an outdoor performance at Muncaster Castle to see if he could bring the show to Millom. He’s adapted it into family fun performance with a jolly old atmosphere.”

Mrs Moore said the theatre was using this first show as a pilot for future performances.

“We’re going to see how it all goes on Friday then, if it works well, resume more performances in September,” she said.

The theatre has implemented a range of safety measures to combat Covid-19 and ensure social distancing is practised.

She said: “There’ll be a 100 chairs in the theatre which will all be socially distanced.

“People will be taking orders wearing masks and will have to book their seats in advance.

“We want to gain confidence back from the audience.”

Audience members will be invited into the theatre from 8pm for drinks and entertainment before the main show just after midnight. To purchase tickets, visit www.beggarstheatre.com.