Lytham comedy gigs a Covid era tonic

While many theatres are still closed, Lytham’s Lowther Pavilion has taken the opportunity to bring back audiences – within the strict guidelines advocated by the Government – and it is the Woofers Comedy Club which has proved the pioneers towards the ‘new normal’.

The comedy sessions promoted and hosted by Lytham’s own Phil Walker have been a big hit at Lowther for years, having moved there from Lytham Cricket Club to allow for greater capacity.

After four months of lockdown, Phil was delighted to have the opportunity to bring back Woofers to Lowther in July, when that and the August show were outdoor drive-in events.

But this month, the Lowther management said indoor Woofers shows could return, albeit with a much-reduced capacity and other social distancing measures in place.

Phil was delighted to see the audience figure for the September 3 performance reach the permitted figure of just over 100, dependent on social bubbles, and

Woofers is back on Thursday (Sept 17) with Jo Caulfield headlining.

The sessions are being held every two weeks rather than monthly, as previously, to allow as many comedy fans as possible to enjoy the fun.

“It’s great to be back on an indoor stage and it’s so good that Lowther are hosting such events while other theatres remain closed,” said Phil.

“When we came back indoors the first time, the audience seemed a little apprehensive but by the second half the atmosphere was great.

"The comedians love the chance to perform, too."”

Measures at Lowther to enhance safety include temperature-measuring cameras in the foyer, enhanced cleaning and sanitising regimes and increased ventilation, while the theatre’s social distance champions make sure the public remain distanced throughout.

Ticket details at www.lowtherpavilion.co.uk