The Wells Theatre Festival faced an unexpected challenge when a fire last month severely damaged Tramways, a bar and social club that had recently been renovated.

The venue was scheduled to transform into an old seafaring pub for "The Shaggy Dog Tale," a show set to be performed on 23 June. The production, known for its engaging mix of music, storytelling, and audience interaction, required a space that was not only large enough for a performance but also contained a bar.

In a fortuitous turn of events, The White Hart on Sadler Street has offered its Hart's Head function room to host the displaced show.

Additionally, the historic pub will handle the sale of tickets for all the Festival's performances, though these will be available for purchase in cash only.

Neil Johnson, Associate Director of Wells Theatre Festival, expressed his relief and gratitude: "I am relieved to hear no one was hurt in the blaze at Tramways. We all wish Dave and Emma, along with all the staff, the best for a speedy renovation. However, the Festival was facing another potential disaster, if we couldn't find another suitable venue for our show. We are all so grateful to Ade and all the staff at the White Hart for stepping in and offering us their function room, The Hart's Head. It's perfect for what we need and even has its own bar."

Ade Price, Manager of The White Hart, also commented on the collaboration: "We were all so sorry to hear about Tramways and we do hope that they will be up and running again very soon. Everyone at the White Hart is very excited to welcome the Wells Theatre Festival and proud to be a venue this year. We can offer audiences to the show excellent beer and wine and a warm welcome for what is going to be a great show."

Tickets for the Wells Theatre Festival are available online at www.wellstheatrefestival.org, every Saturday at Wells Market in the run-up to the Festival (accepting both card and cash), and from The White Hart, Sadler Street (cash only).