Theatres can open – without actors

THEATRES, concert venues and churches will reopen on July 4 – but singing and live performances are banned.

Boris Johnson said he will work with the arts industry towards allowing live shows but they will not be included in the latest relaxations.

He also announced museums, art galleries, cinemas, theme parks and children’s playgrounds can reopen. Outdoor gyms can welcome visitors again too but not indoor fitness centres and pools.

Experts have warned singing can spread coronavirus.

But composer Andrew Lloyd Webber has criticised the ban, saying The Phantom of the Opera has been running safely in South Korea with strict hygiene practices.

And playwright James Graham warned the future of theatres is hanging in the balance. He tweeted: ‘Our worldbeating cultural landscape is in collapse.’

Philippa Childs, head of the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union, added: ‘Workers in the theatre industry and live events will be astonished that the Government is still discussing plans to work with experts when the issues have been clear for some time now and the industry is desperate for help now.

‘Redundancy consultations are taking place across the country, thousands of people are facing losing their jobs and Government support is urgently needed to ensure that theatres are able to open in the future.’

Museums and galleries will have to operate one-way systems and limit numbers when they reopen on July 4.

And cinemas-goers will likely face a radically different experience with a ban on pick and mix, and potentially three empty seat spaces between customers.

More than 4 0 films will be available to cinemas to help them entice audiences back.

Blockbuster series will include Harry Potter, The Fast and Furious, Batman, The Matrix, The Hunger Games, The Twilight Saga and Back To The Future trilogy.

Aquariums will also be allowed to reopen.