Theatre fans may have to dress the part in masks and gloves

THEATRE enthusiasts who don their best for a night out may find face masks and latex gloves are de rigueur as impresarios demand PPE becomes the latest West End accessory.

Industry experts want protective gear to be standard audience attire. Continued social distancing measures after reopening would reduce capacity and threaten the already ravaged revenues of playhouses, with 70 per cent facing going out of business.

The Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre, representing venues such as Shakespeare’s Globe, already facing insolvency, and the Old Vic, want the

UK to take its cue from South Korea and reopen auditoriums with the security of protective equipment.

Industry insiders are calling for the Government to help fund the provision of masks, hand sanitiser, and measures for safe lavatory use to keep audiences shielded, comfortable and large enough to support cash-strapped theatres. The closure of venues in March has caused catastrophic loss of income, and there are fears financial recovery from the crisis will be hampered by limited capacity.

The society and UK Theatre have submitted evidence to the Government and asked it to support the sector by helping to “fund theatres in creating Covid-19-secure venues, which will require investing in health and safety precautions like PPE, toilet facility changes and increased costs of working”.

Their statement added: “We want the Government to invest in our sector so we can continue to play our vital role in Britain’s future success and help the UK’S recovery.”

There are also proposals to extend both the job retention scheme and tax relief for venues, as well as long-term schemes for rescue funds, loans for performing arts companies, and support to local authorities backing theatre. An entertainment and events working group has been set up to advise on the safe and effective reopening of the UK’S venues, and the culture department has established a task force to advise on recovery.