A glimmer of hope for theatre-goers
‘‘ The reopening of theatres, concert halls and cinemas is expected to be considered as part of alert level two. We are working with the sectors to agree ways for a gradual reopening – as we have with other sectors
- Welsh Government spokesman
THERE is some hope for fans of the theatre in Wales after the Welsh Government put both theatres and concert halls in tier two of their Covid restrictions.
The past year has been crippling for the arts in Wales.
Even in the summer and autumn, when places like cinemas were able to reopen, theatres and concert halls had to stay closed.
The key reason behind this was because experts believed there was a greater risk associated with these sorts of venues due to the increased risks of transmission that comes from people projecting their voice and singing.
There were plans to reopen them as we went into the autumn.
Theatr Clwyd in Mold conducted an outdoor pilot performance in August last year, which was heralded as a success.
There were also trials planned for higher-risk events, with a triathlon in Pembrey Country Park and a car rally at Anglesey Circuit/trac Mon Race track.
But then the second wave in the winter put paid to these plans for further reopening.
However, the latest Covid Control Plan by the Welsh Government gives an indication of when venues like these may be able to reopen again.
The guidance has put theatres and concert halls within the “entertainment venues” bracket which also includes: cinemas, bingo halls, bowling alleys, indoor play centres and areas, casinos and amusement arcades.
On April 22 Wales will go into tier three from tier four of the lockdown restrictions.
This has been a long process of many months.
However, the Welsh Government has said that moves from tier three to two are more likely to take place in one go. This means that when Wales goes to tier two, theatres will probably be able to open.
The date for the move from tier three to two has not been confirmed yet and is dependent on the virus.
However, with level three coming in the three weeks after April 22, it is reasonable to assume that any further lifting will be, at the earliest, in the second half of May.
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “The reopening of theatres, concert halls and cinemas is expected to be considered as part of alert level two. We are working with the sectors to agree ways for a gradual reopening – as we have with other sectors.”
Even when they open, theatres are likely to be under strict rules which may prevent some larger venues being economically viable.
Under tier two rules only a maximum of 30 people can gather indoors and 50 outdoors.
Once Wales goes to level one (the lowest), the figures rise slightly to 50 indoors and 100 outdoors. Theatres would most likely have to follow this guidance.