THEATRE goers will have to wear a mask when visiting Taunton's Brewhouse from today (Friday, December 10).

The face covering policy follows the Prime Minister's announcement of 'Plan B' measures across England to combat the rise in cases of the Omicron Covid-19 variant.

A Brewhouse spokesperson said: "Over Christmas we’ll be welcoming hundreds of families to Taunton Brewhouse.

"For many this will be the first time back in a theatre – and we are looking forward to sharing a little festive magic.

"We wanted to update you on the latest ways in which we’re keeping you safe this Christmas."

The new mandatory mask-wearing policy applies to anyone visiting the theatre and applies to everyone - apart from children aged under 11 or those who are medically exempt, or while eating and drinking.

The range of measures to keep audiences safe include:

  • mandatory mask wearing from Friday, December 10, for all visitors apart from exemptions while seated in the auditorium or walking around the building;
  • the ventilation systems ensure there is clean air coming into the main auditorium;
  • staff and cast are testing regularly;
  • Taunton Brewhouse has introduced some socially distanced shows. They are on Thursday 23, Monday 27 in December and Saturday, January 1, all at 7pm. Bosses want to ensure the most vulnerable audiences have the extra reassurance they need. If you wish to switch to these shows, contact the box office.
  • theatre staff and volunteers wear masks at all times;
  • additional cleaning of all public spaces is taking place.

The Brewhouse spokesperson added: "The theatre is also asking its audiences to respect others’ personal space, and to not attend if they have any symptoms of Covid-19.

"If you have been told to self-isolate or are displaying symptoms, please contact our box office team as soon as you can to cancel your booking and receive the value of your tickets as credit on your customer account.

"Our priority is to ensure everyone has a wonderful time and is as safe and comfortable as possible.

"Many thanks from everyone at Taunton Brewhouse, for your help in delivering the best Christmas we can."

If you have any concerns or questions, call the box office on 01823 823244 or email boxoffice@thebrewhouse.net