Wyvern Theatre and Swindon Arts Centre are both set to reopen at full capacity following a challenging year for the industry.

In line with the anticipated ending of government restrictions on July 19, Wyvern Theatre will be welcoming back audiences with a sold-out night of Russell Brand on August 26.

Meanwhile, Swindon Arts Centre will hold its first event - Swindon Film Society - on September 1.

A spokesperson for HQ Theatres, which runs both venues, said: “Following 18-months of uncertainty and change for theatres and hospitality, we have remained committed to audiences returning as soon as we were able, to experience live theatre and performance at Wyvern Theatre that is renewed, improved and which has your safety as our number one priority.

“We will continue to follow the latest government and industry guidance to ensure that your return is as COVID-secure as we can, and have made some changes, to make sure that your return is as easy and seamless as it can be.”

Last month, CEO of HQ Theatres Julian Russell shared his disappointment at the government’s announcement to delay the end of lockdown by four weeks.

At the time, he said: “We are very disappointed with the government’s announcement.

“While we understand the case for a cautious approach, the government’s recent research shows no correlation between live-events and transmission.

"In simple terms, as the research demonstrates, a visit to a show presents no greater risk than a trip to a restaurant, pub, cinema or supermarket.”