Important Coronavirus Update
Statement on TAP 1973 shows and COVID-19
Hello everyone, Simon here. I trust you’re all keeping well under the difficult circumstances.
I hope you’ve all had chance to digest the statement released earlier by The Playhouse Theatre. In light of recent developments and government announcements on the spread of the COVID-19 virus we have unfortunately had to make the decision, supported by the theatre, to postpone our 1973 shows. I’d like to take this opportunity to apologise to you and to explain the decision making process that we went through to get here.
We have been following all developments and pronouncements in regard to the medical situation for the last couple of weeks and we were well aware that the situation could indeed come to this. We have been liaising closely with the Playhouse management, factoring in audience, staff, and performer welfare. We have been waiting for direction from central government based on their scientific and medical advice as to whether large gatherings would be banned, or in fact concerts, play performances and the like. Today’s statement by the PM did nothing to clarify the situation and he instead rather threw the entertainment industries under the bus by leaving it up to each venue to make the decision, and to lay the onus on attendance on the individual. I suspect there may be a financial motive behind all of this, but I’m rather a hardened cynic. Suffice to say that my understanding is that the industry is now in an uproar. As well it should be. Many livelihoods are now in jeopardy across the sector.
On behalf of myself, Pete B, Tom, Pete T, Darren and Grace can I extend our heartfelt thanks for your support through this tricky time and to apologise that we’ve had to postpone these shows for a second time. I’ve already been in receipt of a number of messages supporting us this evening. It means a huge amount to us all that we have your understanding. This really is a set of circumstances way outside of our control.
The good news is that we have agreed alternative dates to perform this show in the Autumn. Further details will be announced soon once some technical aspects have been sorted with the ticketing. The theatre will soon be in communication to explain how tickets will be transferred if so desired. I do sincerely hope that you’ll stick with us on this one, we’ve put in an incredible amount of work on it and although it has seemed cursed we were very much looking forward to performing it at the weekend. There are some cracking songs in the set list, the guys we have in this line up are all extraordinary musicians and we were even taking to the stage with a brass section for the first time. To have to delay bringing that to you is an enormous disappointment.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate in commenting or sending us a message. I will of course reply as soon as I can.
Stay well everyone, look after yourselves and your loved ones, we’ll soon be on the other side of this. Sending love, best wishes and positive vibes through the ether to you all.
Simon
