LOCAL theatres are getting ready to open their doors to the public for the first time in many months with programmes of sparkling, socially distanced Christmas shows.

At Sterts Theatre in Upton Cross, director Peter Woodward and the team are very much looking forward to welcoming audiences to the covered outdoor venue.

“Obviously we are very relieved that Cornwall is in Tier 1 and we hope that this will encourage people to come and support us,” he said.

“We have ensured that we have full Covid secure arrangements in place and have twice employed a specialist Covid Risk Assessor to check that we are doing it correctly.

“Our shows in the run up to Christmas are all short, with no intervals. We have sanitising stations, a rigorous cleaning routine and socially distanced seating. As an open air venue we have the advantage of fresh air - but customers do need to dress warmly, in the past we have encouraged winter audiences to snuggle up together but not this year!”

The focus of Sterts is largely on its summer shows, and Peter says he is “very hopeful that by next May, when our main season starts, things will be back to normal”.

The programme up until Christmas at Sterts is: Seussical the Musical Dec 11-12; Christmas with The Everys, a local family of musicians Dec 19; Canoryon Choir at Christmas Dec 20; Sterts Singers Christmas Concert Dec 21; Squashbox Theatre Christmassy Christmas Show for Children Dec 22.

Meanwhile in Plymouth, the Theatre Royal is set to welcome audiences to its Christmas season starting tonight (Tuesday Dec 8).

The Gingerbread Man is presented by Stuff and Nonsense and is “a festive delight for little ones and their families”.

Meanwhile, Les Dennis is among the stars appearing in the pantomime Robinson Crusoe from Saturday (December 12).

And Gonzo Moose presents an alternative Christmas comedy - The Thing That Came From Over There - from this evening (Dec 9), inspired by the horror movies of the 1950’s.

Adrian Vinken, CEO at Theatre Royal Plymouth said: “This is a really important moment for Plymouth and TRP. After such a long, bleak time to be able to welcome back our audiences to enjoy Christmas shows as usual is just wonderful. Public interest in the shows has been fantastic so we’re confident they’ll bring fun and energy back to the city centre, lift spirits and finally give people who’ve had such tough times this year something to smile about.”