The grant, from the Theatres Trust Theatre Re Opening Fund, will buy two atomised liquid foggers to maintain high standards of decontamination and keep audiences, performers and staff safe when they return.

The Theatres Trust, their national advisory public body, works to protect and support theatres that meet the needs of their communities.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Theatres Trust has repurposed its small grants schemes to support theatres to be able to reopen viably and safely after several months’ closure.

Joanna Read, the Yvonne Arnaud’s director and chief executive, said: “We are extremely grateful to The Theatres Trust for their support. Having our own fogging equipment will contribute essentially to our safe reopening and full operational functioning following pandemic closure.”

The Yvonne Arnaud is a Grade II-listed, purpose-built theatre which presents more than 600 performances a year, a combination of received and home-produced productions.

Ms Read hopes to reopen in the summer with an eclectic and entertaining mix of live performance.