Quay Theatre in Sudbury casts web wide as community-driven online project gains more than 1,000 views in first few days following launch

Sudbury’s Quay Theatre is encouraging people to play an active role in a series of upcoming community projects, which are being showcased online.

The arts venue in Quay Lane stopped operating in March after the Government instructed that all theatres, pubs and bars should close to prevent coronavirus from spreading.

Keen to provide a virtual entertainment experience for its supporters, the theatre recently launched an interactive website, with a range of shows and events streamed online.

Praising the public’s response to the new project, Paul Press, chairman of the trustees, said: “The Quay Online has been very well received, with more than 1,000 views in the first few days of launch.

“Additionally, we have had 4,000 views of our online content via Facebook, with new content currently being added daily and our wonderful Sudbury History talks coming soon.”

Youngsters will have the opportunity to showcase their talents by submitting a video, which will be streamed for viewers to watch online, as part of Sudbury’s Got Talent.

Contestants have until Monday, August 31, to submit their performances into two categories covering ages four to 10 and 11 to 18.

“We want to see the finest talent acts our young people have to offer,” said Deidre Duffy, a member of the trustees. “From magic to music, drama to dance, we would love to get as many entries as possible.”

The theatre is also encouraging people to document their recent experiences, in and around the town, on video, which will be featured in a new project called the Sudbury Chronicles.

Mrs Duffy added: “It is a unique time for all of us, and we, at the theatre, want to capture the lockdown highs and lows of as many people as possible to preserve for the future.

“We think this project is a really exciting way to do this.”

To watch streamed content, go to online.quaysudbury.com.