TONIGHT the Leader of Harlow Council made the following announcement.

“It is clear that Harlow, like the rest of the country, must now take extraordinary steps to try and slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Having listened to the Prime Minister say tonight that the government is giving “very strong advice” that theatres should close, I have taken the decision that Harlow’s Playhouse will shut to the public tomorrow. The length of the shut down will depend on further advice from the government.

Residents who have booked tickets in advance to see shows will receive refunds for those shows that are cancelled. Harlow Playhouse Artistic Director will provide details in the next few days as to how to apply for refunds via the Harlow Playhouse website.

Staff of the Playhouse should be reassured that they will continue to be paid and should attend work tomorrow if they are well and unless contacted by the Theatre management.

We will make further announcements about other services in the course of the next few days as information is updated by the government.”