Hope Mill Theatre ends run of Zorro and cancels Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Hope Mill Theatre has sadly had to cut short its run of Zorro and cancel is upcoming production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

The Manchester venue has closed until further notice along with all other theatres across the UK as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Its production of Zorro, which had been due to run until April 18, has ended its run.

Meanwhile, the UK theatrical premiere of the Broadway version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella has cancelled its planned production. It had been due to run from May 9 through to June 6.

William Whelton, Executive Director of Hope Mill Theatre, said: “During these uncertain times and with our current closure, Hope Mill Theatre is unable to financially commit to producing the upcoming theatrical premiere of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

“This was a heartbreaking decision to make but unfortunately was the only decision we faced in order to safeguard our current employees and the future of our venue.

“To produce a show on this scale, at a theatre of Hope Mill’s size poses many challenges in the best of circumstances, so to do so in the current climate simply posed too great a risk.”

Joseph Houston, Artistic Director of Hope Mill Theatre, added: “The past few days have been the hardest times we have ever faced as a venue and community.

“A show like Cinderella has been a year in the planning for us, with a full creative and production team in place and already at work, and an incredibly exciting casting process which resulted in the most talented group of performers confirmed.

“We are hopeful that Cinderella will go to the ball, but at this time we are unsure when that will be. As for Hope Mill Theatre, like so many venues we do not know what our fate holds but we stay hopeful that our doors will open soon and once again we will be filling our little mill with music, laughter and applause.”

Ticket holders will be contacted in due course about their options.

In lieu of refunds, the Hope Mill Theatre has asked ticket holders to donate the cost of their ticket to help support the venue if they are in a position to do so.

For more information or to make donations directly, you can visit the official Hope Mill Theatre website here.