Find out why a blue light is shining out of Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre every night

Council chiefs say the Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre is shining its own light of hope during the coronavirus crisis.

Every evening, the theatre’s main window is being lit blue in a doubly symbolic gesture.

Bosses say there is a tradition that a light should remain on in a theatre every night, but it also aims to salute the ‘bravery, compassion and dedication’ of anyone who is ‘caring for or providing a service to others during this crisis’.

Susan French, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Performance Venues Manager, explains: “In the theatre there is a tradition that whenever the theatre is empty you always leave one light on, usually in the centre of the stage. It signifies that although the theatre is empty, we will return.

“Our light shows everyone involved in theatre - all the actors, directors, technical and front-of-house staff, designers, dancers, stage managers, teachers and freelancers – that we stand in solidarity with them.

“The light is a temporary ‘place holder’ – a reminder that, although the industry is down at the moment, our determination, passion and creativity remains and we will be back.

“Equally importantly, we chose the colour blue for the lighting to pay our own heartfelt tribute to everyone who is caring for or providing a service to others during this crisis – the light shining every evening is our salute to their bravery, compassion and dedication.”

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