UK Government issues guidance for Covid-19 safe theatre

Photo credit: Claire Kelson

In a huge step forward for the entertainment industry, the UK Culture Secretary has now released a guide for staging live shows. The document aims to protect both staff and audience members from the coronavirus pandemic.

In England, outdoor performances can begin from Saturday 11 July but rules vary for the rest of the UK. However, most of the framework set out by Oliver Dowden will only apply once indoor theatres are open, which will happen in Stage 4 of his plan. We are currently in Stage 3. 

From an audience perspective, people will be asked to avoid public transport, use E-tickets, and pre-order their refreshments. Seating capacity will be lowered to comply with social-distancing and entry times will be staggered to avoid queues in the foyer. Venues have also been asked to discourage guests from raising their voices, with one suggestion being to avoid playing interval music that makes normal conversation difficult. 

To stop transmission of the virus, new cleaning regimes will also be implemented. Hand sanitiser will have to be available throughout the building and showtimes could also be delayed to allow for thorough disinfecting. Whilst backstage, all technical equipment will have to be wiped down upon arrival. 

When it comes to casting, self-tapes and online auditions are being encouraged or alternatively, a screen will have to be set up between the panel and actors.

Cast sizes are likely to be reduced with more actors taking on two roles, and rehearsals will have to take place outside where possible. For musicians, owners of instruments will have to clean their own property and store them away from communal areas. Score sheets will be limited to the individual using them too. 

Musical theatre actors are advised to only sing for work purposes and to keep their distance from others when doing so. There are also warnings about wind and brass instruments, which may have to be distanced away from other musicians. Individuals will have to do their own hair and make-up and again, are asked to avoid taking public transport. 

Until the country is ready to reduce more restrictions, it’s likely that many theatres will continue to be closed, possibly for months. But this is a ray of hope, at last.