Regardless of the government announcement that the next step out of lockdown is to be delayed until at least mid-July, the Merlin Theatre is happy to shout to the world that it is 'OPEN!"

A spokesperson for the theatre explains: "We always knew that the 21st June was a proposed date for full capacity audiences, not a guarantee. We have been selling tickets with 50% capacity in mind and despite this sad announcement - which we know is crushing for so many - all our shows can and will go on for June and July. The shows will be safe and socially distant for audiences and most of them, thanks to our open air outdoor ECOS amphitheare, full of fresh air!"

Claudia Pepler, theatre director, is keen to re-thank all of those who donated in 2020 at the start of the pandemic. She says "There is little doubt that without the incredible goodwill and generosity of those who donated money and the kindness of those who allowed us to retain their ticket fees and who continue to support us by buying tickets, we would have had to face some very difficult decisions and may well not be here.

"But we are here! We have amazing volunteers who mean that every show can go on and we have fabulous audiences who support us. We have weathered the storm this far so now is not the moment to give up. The show will go on so please buy tickets - quickly as we have limited numbers now!"

As well as the shows taking place this week and on Sunday, the Merlin is a major Frome Festival venue and wishes to remind arts-lovers that there is a great Festival programme due to happen all over town with lots of open air events at ECOS, Silk Mill, Marston Lakes, in the park and still plenty indoors too from 2-11 July.

The Merlin curtain is well and truly up and, as they put it, " Raise that curtain! We're open!"

To support the theatre by donating, please go to the website 'homepage' and 'donate'

To see the full programme of Merlin events view www.merlintheatre.co.uk