With theatres and cinemas closed and communal life in the 'physical world' put on hold, the team at Strode Theatre in Street have decided not to give up on its primary purpose: to be the heart of the community, bring people together and provide entertainment, diversion, creativity and culture.

It will be harder to fulfil that purpose in lock-down, without the theatre's facilities, but, Theatre Manager Robin Peters promises it is, "absolutely possible".

With theatre companies, bands, performers and promoters generously offering content for free online, the Theatre is promoting a 'digital programme' via social media and through its website, pointing their patrons in the direction of live-streams, recordings and videos from around the web - performances, concerts, exhibitions, talks and shows from the UK and around the world – which started yesterday with a Facebook streaming from Exhibition on Screen, Vincent Van Gogh - A New Way of Seeing.

Many people enjoyed the screening with comments on the Theatre's Facebook page after: "It was absolutely wonderful. I hope you will offer others in the future" and "Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Mesmerizing. Hope to watch more of your productions."

Further events selected for viewing together online this week are National Theatre's ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS on Thursday 2nd April 7pm; GANDINI JUGGLING with SMASHED on Friday 3rd April at 7pm; and a live-streamed performance by folk duo NINEBARROW on Saturday 4th April at 7pm.

While everyone can, of course, press 'play' on many of these videos at any time that suits them, the Theatre is hoping to get audiences together online at the same time, so that even though they can't be in the same auditorium, they're still having the shared experience and the opportunity to chat about the event on the Theatre's Facebook page afterwards.

The plans have already met with huge enthusiasm from Strode Theatre's patrons, and the Theatre team are eagerly awaiting the 'post show' discussions.

For news of further digital Strode programmes you can follow Strode Theatre on Facebook.