**Performance and Box Office Information Updated Monday 4th May 2020**

Unity Theatre has postponed public performances and events this week as a result of circumstances surrounding COVID-19 (coronavirus). This will affect all performances and events from now until the end of June.

As circumstances continue to evolve, we anticipate further postponements and will contact all existing bookers accordingly. Nobody at Unity has been in contact with the virus. However, as a hub for the community, we regularly host events and performances for some of the most vulnerable in our society and do not wish to put people at unnecessary risk.

We would like to assure you our valued and much-loved audiences, participants and artists that we have considered all parties who will be affected by the necessity to postpone events. The wellbeing of audiences, artists, staff and freelancers are all at the forefront of our minds and we are working to support those who need it, practically, financially and emotionally.

There are obviously practical implications to the decision we have made today for us as a small organisation. These are challenging times for all and any way you can help support us, and to help us support others, please get in touch. Donation, big or small, will go a long way to ensuring that this theatre stays thriving in the future for all of our communities across Merseyside.

Here we have tried to answer some of your questions, but if there is anything we’ve missed, please use the contact form below.

Thank you,

All at Unity.

Are you offering refunds?

As we are postponing events, we will be operating a credit note and exchange service. We are unable to offer refunds at this time. If you are unable to make the rearranged date, we will offer you a ticket credit note to use for another Unity performance over the next two seasons (April 2020 – May 2021).

Please note, if you have booked for an event at LIPA, you will be contacted by a member of staff shortly with information on this.

Is your building open?

We are continually assessing government, NHS and WHO guidance and will be updating audiences on a weekly basis. As of the week of the 18th March the building is now closed for public and will be used for only necessary operational purposes only. We anticipate closure will take us until the end of June but we will update this webpage with any changes.

Will your box office lines stay open?

As of the 18th March, box office lines are now closed for calls. Our ticket information address tickets@unitytheatre.co.uk is being monitored 2 hours a day and voicemails are being checked daily. If you have any concerns please use one of these two methods to get in touch with us.

Please note, due to reduced staffing and an incredibly high volume of enquiries, we are now operating a 4 week response period to ticket information. If you are a LIPA booker enquiring about your refund, we are currently processing these. All PayPal refunds have been completed, along with 60% of card refunds. If you paid with cash, cheque or card between Jan – mid-Feb we will be contacting you directly. Thank you for your patience.

If you enquiry is urgent please email info@unitytheatre.co.uk

We will update this webpage with any changes.

Has Unity had any contact with COVID-19?

There have been no cases of Coronavirus reported within the building or by Unity staff, and recent visitors have no reason to be concerned. Please follow NHS guidelines to help minimise the spread of the virus.

How long will this period last?

Truthfully, we do not know. We will do a weekly update every Monday to audiences affected,  and also keep this page updated.

How is Unity looking after their artists?

As always, we are in regular communication with the artists we are due to work with. Their safety and security is extremely important and decisions are made in conversation with them. Artist care is embedded within all Unity policies; as such we continue to adhere to Arts Council England’s guidance throughout this period.

How can I get updates?

Please follow our social media channels and keep an eye on this webpage.
Twitter @unitytheatre
Facebook @unitytheatre
Instagram @unity_theatre

How can I help?

1. In order to keep you and your loved ones safe, help prevent the spread of this virus by consulting government and health official guidelines.
2. This will be a lonely and potentially anxious period for some. Contact all your friends, colleagues and relatives regularly on the phone and see how they are. Use social media to keep in touch and check in on elderly neighbours. More advice can be found here.
3. As a charity, we rely on our building being open to thrive and survive. At this point, we do not know when normal business will resume, nor what normal business will look like in the future. If you can, please consider donating. We have exciting ambitions for the year ahead and your support will help continue to make this possible.

 —