Bunbury’s arts scene has drawn its curtains on shows

Due to coronavirus restrictions, Bunbury’s performing arts scene has been forced to draw its curtains on shows.

Bunbury Musical Comedy Group president Maureen Eaton said the restrictions had impacted the group’s ability to make an income.

“We’ve had to cancel our performances for the year and people who rent space from us have had to cancel all their performances as well,” she said.

“Because we own the theatre, we’re probably in a more difficult situation than most because we still have to pay council rates and maintain the building.

Ms Eaton hoped the group could get back onto its feet soon.

We’re crossing our fingers things improve.

South West Blues Club president Jim Cameron said the brakes were also on at the club.

“It’s times like this everybody needs music,” Mr Cameron said.

“The regular jam sessions are the heartbeat of the club and I’m sure they’ll be well attended when this is over.

If you’re playing music now is a time where you can actually spend some time on your instrument and get creative.

Bunbury Men of Song has adapted to the situation, holding practice on the Internet via Zoom.

The group was supposed to perform at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in Wales in July, but committee member Don Reid said the event had been postponed and “whether they would attend next year is unsure”.

Bunbury Repertory Club president Charise D’Ath said the group was also facing challenges with a loss of income from shows.

“We had a show planned for early April which had to be postponed and a show planned for August which at this stage has been postponed,” she said.

Mrs D’Ath said there were still positives and was confident the performing scene would survive.

Everyone is still working out ways to keep theatre alive in Bunbury while we can’t actually go to the theatre.

“Theatre has been around for a very long time and there’s been so many decades where people thought it wouldn’t survive and it came out strong.”