'Give theatre a go' urges Mansfield Palace bosses as new streamed virtual reality drama hits our screens

The Leeming Street venue has come up with a new way to make shows available for theatregoers by delivering its first streamed performance, Dalloway – a one-woman drama produced by Dyad Productions.

Theatre bosses hope the production will keep the popular attraction in the public eye as the first anniversary of lockdown is marked this week.

The recorded performance uses a virtual reality format, which means viewers can use a mouse or trackpad on their own device to move around the stage, zoom in and out, and get close to the action.

Covid-19 has devastated live theatre and entertainment venues across the country and they have had to come up with inventive ways to keep their businesses alive.

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The production of Dalloway has been designed to encourage people to ‘give theatre another go’ and, with its low household ticket price, aims to attract audiences to a ‘captivating drama in a more familiar environment’.

Sian Booth, Mansfield District Council’s cultural services manager, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to bring our audiences streamed entertainment, direct to their homes.

"It’s a real step forward for the theatre and we hope that people will give it a go, even if it’s their first drama, which is why we have kept the price low at just a fiver.

“The closure of the theatre has been a huge sacrifice to the people of Mansfield but we continued to to play a crucial role.”

The latest production has been written and directed by Elton Townend Jones and the one-woman show is performed by Rebecca Vaughan.

It was recorded in front of a live audience in 2019 as part of the Edinburgh Fringe.

Dalloway is set in 1923 and is Dyad’s adaptation of Virginia Woolf's novel of the same name.

It presents a feminist response to the aftermath of the First World War.

Dalloway is screened on Thursday, March 25 and to book a £5 household ticket visit the theatre’s website.

A trailer for the show can also be seen on the theatre’s social media platforms.