A theatre boss has detailed the challenges of the coronavirus crisis and revealed plans for life after lockdown.

Eastern Daily Press: Diss Corn Hall has been making plans for life after the coronavirus lockdown has been lifted. Picture: Diss Corn HallDiss Corn Hall has been making plans for life after the coronavirus lockdown has been lifted. Picture: Diss Corn Hall (Image: www.joakimboren.com � All Rights Reserved 2017 contact@joakimboren.com)

Like dozens of other entertainmet venues across Norfolk and Waveney, Diss Corn Hall was forced to shut after a widespread lockdown was announced in March.

Having sold 24,000 tickets in 2019, the arts hub was coming off the back of a successful year and had enjoyed a strong start to 2020.

But with its reliance on box offices sales, COVID-19’s unprecedented impact has left the Corn Hall with no means of income and lingering uncertainty over its future.

Eastern Daily Press: Lee Johnson, operations manager at Diss Corn Hall, has been discussing the impact of coronavirus lockdown on the venue. Picture: Courtesy of Lee JohnsonLee Johnson, operations manager at Diss Corn Hall, has been discussing the impact of coronavirus lockdown on the venue. Picture: Courtesy of Lee Johnson (Image: Archant)

Lee Johnson, the venue’s operations manager, said survival had become a genuine concern.

“Initially we started cancelling shows, but the gallery and cafe remained open,” said Mr Johnson. “At that point there was still a small footfall, but we knew what was going to happen.

“Obviously we saw the full closure coming, but to go from 24,000 sales to zero overnight was a massive worry. It’s something we’ve had to adjust to very quickly.”

Eastern Daily Press: Diss Corn Hall has been making plans for life after the coronavirus lockdown has been lifted. Picture: Diss Corn HallDiss Corn Hall has been making plans for life after the coronavirus lockdown has been lifted. Picture: Diss Corn Hall (Image: Archant)

Almost three months of closure has given staff plenty of time to consider what a post-lockdown Corn Hall may look like, but a date for the reopening of theatres and cinemas remains unclear.

Safety measures including a one-way system and colour-coded ticketing are in the pipeline, but the venue is eagerly awaiting further updates from the government on social distancing guidelines.

According to estimates, the 300-capacity hall could seat just 60 people if the two-metre rule remains, although a one-metre rule could see 150 accommodated - a “step in the right direction”, says Mr Johnson.

Eastern Daily Press: Diss Corn Hall has been discussing the challenges of the coronavirus crisis - and looking ahead to life after lockdown. Picture: Diss Corn HallDiss Corn Hall has been discussing the challenges of the coronavirus crisis - and looking ahead to life after lockdown. Picture: Diss Corn Hall (Image: Archant)

“We are having continued conversations about how we are going to be financially viable when we do reopen,” he added.

“I would personally not have an issue with going to a theatre and sitting next to someone, but I’m fully aware that others do not feel the same and have concerns.

“We’re fortunate to have a strong volunteer pool, but most are retired and over 70. While they are champing at the bit to get back, the venue must be COVID-compliant.

Eastern Daily Press: Diss Corn Hall has been discussing the challenges of the coronavirus crisis - and looking ahead to life after lockdown. Picture: Diss Corn HallDiss Corn Hall has been discussing the challenges of the coronavirus crisis - and looking ahead to life after lockdown. Picture: Diss Corn Hall (Image: Archant)

“It’s all very well opening theatres, but people have to be confident about coming back. People have to feel safe when they come to a venue and, if they do, others will follow suit.”