‘Catastrophic and unsustainable’ for future of theatres
THEATRE bosses have called the latest lockdown delay “catastrophic” for venues and the live entertainment sector.
Social distancing will remain in place inside theatres for at least four more weeks, limiting the number of people who can watch performances.
Theatre impresarios Sir Howard Panter, 72, and Dame Rosemary Squire, 65, of Trafalgar Entertainment, said: “This delay is yet another bungle from a Government that wouldn’t be given a single star in a review of its performance.
“The confusion and muddled messages are reminiscent of a West End farce.”
They argue Boris Johnson’s own data shows a trip to the theatre is less dangerous than going to the pub, restaurant or supermarket, and stressed its importance to public life.
With two West End productions due to start next month, they added: “With the data supporting a return to live events at full capacity – and with risks now diminishing – we urge the Government to act before it’s too late.
“Open our theatres. Enough is enough. Let audiences in.”
The Daily Express has backed the performance sector throughout the pandemic with our Raise the Curtain campaign.
Theatres Trust director Jon
Morgan said delaying ending remaining restrictions would leave those venues unable to open with reduced capacity in a challenging position.
He said: “Yesterday’s news is wholly understandable given the rise in infection numbers and the Delta variant. However, it will be difficult for theatres who were depending on being able to reopen at full capacity.” He said they will have committed considerable resources without the safety net of a theatre sector insurance scheme.
He added: “Although many have temporarily reopened, continuing to operate at significantly reduced capacity is economically unsustainable.”
Andrew LloydWebber had said he would be prepared to risk jail to fill his West End theatres and threatened legal action against the Government.
Mr Johnson said last night: “I’ve got colossal admiration for Andrew LloydWebber [and] the entire theatre sector.
“I bitterly regret the fact that we must be cautious again now.”