Producer’s Point of View: Indoor Performances are back...but what does that mean?

15 August, a date that has become pivotal for theatres. But what does this really mean and what does the future look like?

Well, let's make it clear. The 15 August has been set as a new estimated date for "indoor performances" to be allowed to happen, however this is dependent on a number of factors:

Trials - Trials and tests have been taking place at venues including The London Palladium to see how theatres can operate both backstage and front of house to meet social distancing regulations. If these tests are successful, theatres may be given the green light to open up.

Rate of Infection - We're seeing numbers increasing across the US, India, China and other countries. We have also seen parts of the UK being put back into lockdown, due to increasing rates of infection in those specific areas. This one of the reasons why the SIX Drive In tour had to be cancelled.

Insurance - One thing that every venue and production company needs is insurance. Unfortunately a lot of companies are struggling to get insurance for their planned productions. 

If the rate of infection doesn't continue to increase and the government are happy with the tests conducted in venues, we may be given the green light to hold "indoor performances" after 15 August. Fantastic news but there are still challenges ahead.

Financially it's hard to make the numbers work for the reduced audience capacity. Due to social distancing, this means there are a number of venues and shows which won't be able to re-open straight away. There are also many shows and venues which won't be able to operate under social distancing, after all could you imagine the barricade in Les Mis with 1 metre between each performer?

Shows also take a lot of time. We usually try to make sure tickets are on sale around 4-6 months prior to the production. We also need to rehearse the shows, market them and do all the necessary preparations. Usually in theatre we work at least 18 months - 2 years in advance, sometimes more. 

Finally what happens if a Company member tests positive at any point for COVID-19? Well, the show has to be shut down and all company members isolated for two weeks. We've already seen this happen to the South Korea production of The Phantom of the Opera. 

The long and short of it is that we have a very long way to go before we can bring our shows back. We need to make sure our audiences and company members are safe, the shows are able to work financially, we are fully insured to operate and that we don't run the risk of having to shut down.

But what good news is on the horizon? Well some shows such as The Mousetrap have already made the commitment to re-open with social distancing in place and they are able to do this both because of the style of show in terms of operation and also because they can make it work financially. We're also seeing many producers turn to outdoor venues where possible, Educating Rita is already on sale for the Minack Theatre this summer and Regents Park Open Air Theatre are working towards their summer production of Jesus Christ Superstar. For families, Pirates of the Pavilion has relocated to an outdoor Forte in order to bring this annual summer pantomime to the people of Weymouth.

Yes we face difficulties but as always we are thinking "outside of the box" to bring live entertainment back to life.