The stage is set for a century-old Norwich Lanes theatre to reopen after months of closure from the covid pandemic.

The Maddermarket Theatre, on Saint John's Alley, born out of a derelict Roman Catholic chapel, is relaunching this summer with an adapted version of Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor.

Norwich Evening News: The Maddermarket Theatre in Norwich.The Maddermarket Theatre in Norwich. (Image: Archant)

From August 27-30, The Merry Wives of Norwich will be performed by the theatre's in-house amateur group - the Norwich Players - in the venue's outdoor courtyard in front of 50 people.

Laura Landamore, who is on the board of trustees, said: "When a theatre goes dark it is a strange and eerily sad feeling. The lockdown was a horrible few months but we remained positive.

"There was a sense of frustration and loss. For some of the volunteers it is a way of life for them. There is nothing like live theatre."

She added the volunteers who help keep the theatre running were like family and the venue created a "great sense of community".

Ahead of the outdoor show, Miss Landamore said: "There is a buzz and a lovely vibe around the theatre."

The first indoor performance will be One Man, Two Guvnors by Sound Ideas Theatre Company, a professional group, which runs from September 7 until September 11 and future performances include a comedy performance by I'm A Celebrity star and The Inbetweeners actor Emily Atack on October 2.

Norwich Evening News: Television actress Emily Atack.Television actress Emily Atack. (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

All shows inside will be shown to a full-capacity audience of 300 people but Miss Landamore said the theatre would work with government guidelines if needed and said it would be appreciated, but not mandatory, for theatre-goers to wear masks when walking around.

Norwich Evening News: A performance from several years ago at the Maddermarket Theatre in Norwich.A performance from several years ago at the Maddermarket Theatre in Norwich. (Image: Maddermarket Theatre)

Other safety measures will include keeping doors open for ventilation and having hand sanitiser available.

She added: "Our money comes from bums on seats so it is important people come to support us. That is why we are putting on such an eclectic season for 2021/22. The Maddermarket Theatre is a charming place."

The board member said she wanted a variety of theatre groups and businesses to use the space which will celebrate its centenary this year and next year.

Norwich Evening News: A picture showing how the Maddermarket Theatre stage in Norwich used to look.A picture showing how the Maddermarket Theatre stage in Norwich used to look. (Image: Maddermarket Theatre)

Visit https://maddermarket.co.uk or email office@maddermarket.org or bookings@maddermarket.org to get involved or book tickets.