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Where the case is opened up, on the table (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

theatre

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'table' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'where the case is opened up on' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'the' could be 't' (the is pronounced as a 't' sound in some dialects) and 't' is found in the answer.
'on' could be 'at' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'at' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'here' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'the' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for theatre that I've seen before include "Space for dramatid art" , "Place where plays are produced" , "Scene of military activity" , "war zone" , "Play venue" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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