Despite changing capacity limits, pandemic restrictions and doors opening and closing, the people behind the Astor Theatre are still trying their best to provide an arts experience for Liverpool.

Restrictions announced before Christmas to limit the spread of the Omicron variant closed the popular Liverpool theatre.

Safety measures put in place gave patrons the confidence to come out in large numbers ahead of the shut down according to General Manager Jean Robinson-Dexter.

“People told us that they felt safe, they felt welcome and so we will just continue to do that once we’re able to welcome folks back here,” said Robinson-Dexter.

Without regular ticket sales, the theatre is leaning heavily on government grants to stay afloat.

She says the theatre is more to the community than entertainment.

“And it’s so important for people, both, I think, for social connection, to get folks out in the community, seeing friends again, and just for their mental health and well-being,” said Robinson-Dexter. “Music can fill you up.”

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