Armstrong’s Caravan Farm Theatre forced to postpone winter sleigh ride show

Caravan Farm Theatre in Armstrong has been forced to reschedule its winter sleigh ride show until January.

The North Okanagan theatre company was due to start its performance of The Gift this Saturday, Dec. 12, but has been forced to postpone the outdoor performance following the extension of Provincial Health Orders which restrict live events until Jan. 8, 2021.

Caravan Farm Theatre artistic director Estelle Shook said the show was built with multiple scenarios in mind.

"We knew going to production that the show could be shut down and that we might face a revolving opening night," Shook said. "So we've built it so we can open in January."

The theatre company had catered the entire production around pandemic safety protocols, putting plexiglass barriers in the sleighs and selling tickets to "bubbles" of six.

Shook said the fact tickets for the show sold out so quickly goes to show the community's need to get out and experience stories and see live theatre.

"We are disappointed with the order because we stand by our safety protocols and our importance to the community," Shook said.

The production is now rescheduled to run from Jan. 12 to Jan. 31, 2021. Tickets bought for the December show can be transferred to January or refunded.

Shook said the theatre is also filming the production, so if the public health order is extended again, a video of the show will be made available to watch.

It will be the first time in 32 years the Farm Theatre hasn't put on a show in December.

For more information about transferring tickets go here.

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