Earlier this week, Six announced a series of drive-in shows all around the country; a concept that could very well be the future. We already have drive-in cinemas and comedy clubs and now an idea has been pitched for an even more ambitious venture.

Beyond Theatre were working on their new musical, The White Witch, when the UK entered lockdown just days before their premiere. Specialising in immersive shows staged in
appropriate venues rather than traditional theatres, the company has been searching for creative ways to return to the arts. Their new project, DriveInside, is therefore being billed as the first coronavirus-safe venue of its kind.

Placed within a 70,000 sq ft tent with a raised platform in the middle, the space will accommodate approximately 800 audience members and their cars. Isolated space will also be made available around each parking space, along with folding chairs, to view the performance from. Though this will only be accessible via the drivers side, in order to maintain social distancing.

The DriveInside venue is due to open in central Manchester, though an exact location and date has yet to be announced. We also don’t know what will be performed there yet, but it is expected to house both live theatre and music. Following its run in the North, there are also plans to transfer to both London and Edinburgh.