Show must go on: Guildhall saves the day

An opera performance threatened with cancellation because of the fire in the centre of Exeter will now go ahead thanks to staff at the Guildhall.

Staircase Opera’s performance of Menotti’s ‘The Medium’ was due to take place at the Devon and Exeter Institute tonight, Thursday and Friday. However the Institute, which is located on the Cathedral Green, is currently within the safety cordon brought about as a result of the fire at the Royal Clarence Hotel at the weekend.

Staff at the City Council heard about the group’s plight and stepped in to save the day, offering up the 700-year-old Guildhall as an alternative venue.

Event organiser, Carolyn Harries, said she couldn’t thank the Council enough. “The Council has rallied around and stepped in at the last minute and the show will now go on,” she said. “It’s wonderful and a tremendous offer on behalf of the City Council. To make the Guildhall, which is such a wonderful space, available at short notice is fantastic.”

An additional supply of tickets have also become available due to the slightly larger capacity of the Guildhall.

These can be booked through the Devon and Exeter Institute, on 01392 274727.