Theatres allowed to reopen but no live performances permitted in new update from PM

In a time when any positive theatre news is welcomed, yesterday’s update from the Prime Minister can be viewed in two ways.

Boris Johnson has announced significant easing of lockdown measures from 4 July, enabling businesses such as pubs, hotels, cinemas and hairdressers to reopen as long as they implement government-outlined measures.

It has also been said that theatres and music halls are able to reopen – HOORAY! … But wait a minute; live performances are still not permitted…

Johnson is also still unable to provide a road map on when shows may be able to resume or to announce schemes that will further assist our struggling sector.

A few days ago, we reported on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s re-opening test, which will be conducted next month. This aims to prove that we can re-open safely with the correct safety measures put in place and with no social distancing necessary.

Johnson acknowledges that the theatre industry falls into the category whereby the 2m rule is virtually impossible to enforce. He said, “I know this rule makes life impossible for large parts of our economy, even without other restrictions – it prevents all but a fraction of our hospitality industry from operating…where it is possible to keep two metres apart, people should. Where it is not, we will advise people to keep a social distance of one metre plus taking mitigations to reduce the risk of transmission”.

I am aware of some theatres looking at other means of earning an income, ANY other means to keep the business afloat in some way. For example, some are looking to screen films in the theatres, whereby capacity can be monitored more easily and unreserved seating allows for attendees to social distance.

However, to quote Chris McGuigan, Group Director of Marketing and Sales at QDOS (as seen on Facebook):

“If Boris told restaurants they could reopen, but not serve food, there would be uproar. If Boris told pubs they could reopen, but not serve drinks, there would be uproar. If Boris told hotels they could reopen, but no one could stay overnight, there would be uproar. Telling theatres they can reopen, but not stage live performances is a total nonsense.”

Anyone agree, Besties?