ST George's Hall will re-open this week with the first in a socially distanced programme of shows and other events over summer.

Bradford Theatres had already planned a socially distanced summer programme, at St George's Hall and The Studio, prior to the Prime Minister's announcement yesterday on the delay in ending coronavirus restrictions in England. Under the announcement, theatres must remain socially distanced for another four weeks.

The first act back on stage at St George's Hall is Billy Pearce, with his stand-up comedy gig on Friday. Other acts booked for coming weeks include best-selling columnist and author Caitlin Moran and rugby legend Ellery Hanley.

St George’s Hall is the first of Bradford Theatres venues to re-open. A spokesman said the socially distanced programme will run from Friday's Billy Pearce gig to John Godber comedy April in Paris starring Joe Pasquale on July 12 and 13. Full capacity events are due to return from late July.

Shows scheduled for St George's Hall include Ru Paul's Drag Race UK stars Tayce & A’Whora; Broken Ring Wrestling; and Horrible Histories. Bradford Literature Festival events at the venue include a comedy night and Sufiana Kalaam, featuring appearances from musician Abi Sampa and singer-songwriters Rushil and Amrit Singh.

The Studio - Bradford Theatres' smaller theatre space next to the Alhambra - also has a line-up of Bradford Literature Festival events including The Colour of Politics featuring Bradford-born creatives Javaad Alipoor and Tanya Vital whose new podcast explores how anti-racism in the UK has been shaped by activism and resistance, and Stonehenge and the Durrington Shafts, in which a panel of historians and archaeologists discuss the historical and cultural impact of Stonehenge and other heritage sites.

The Alhambra is due to open on September 7, with 9 to 5 the Musical, and King’s Hall in Ilkley on July 1, with poet and comic John Cooper Clarke. For more details go to bradford-theatres.co.uk

Bradford Playhouse re-opens on July 8 with Don’t Stop Me Now, a celebration of West End musicals performed by the students of All Stars Performing Arts. Mighty Atoms runs from July 14-17. Auditions for the play - about five women taking part in an unlicensed boxing match - were held online.

Company director Megan Wilson said: "Although yesterday’s announcement is frustrating, we will still be opening as planned and are excited to welcome back an audience safely.

"It’s also great that one of our first shows, Mighty Atoms, has been produced in-house throughout the pandemic. It will be wonderful to see the Playhouse team back on top form."