Are theatres open again in the UK?
THEATRES have reopened after coronavirus forced them to stay shut since March. The Prime Minister announced Britain’s much loved theatre industry would restart from August 15 as new lockdown-easing measures were introduced. ⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates Are theatres open again? Indoor theatres were supposed to reopen their […]
THEATRES have reopened after coronavirus forced them to stay shut since March.
The Prime Minister announced Britain’s much loved theatre industry would restart from August 15 as new lockdown-easing measures were introduced.
Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Are theatres open again?
Indoor theatres were supposed to reopen their doors on August 1.
However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson put the breaks on easing lockdown restrictions at the end of July amid warnings that the virus may be growing again.
Theatres were made to wait until August 15 before they could reopen – almost five months after they were ordered to close.
Theatre bosses say many venues can run only at 30 to 40 per cent capacity, making them economically unviable.
They will be expected to stick to strict social distancing and follow guidelines to protect performers.
Many theatres have been plunged into economic turmoil by the shutdown, with some smaller theatres warning they may never return.
Theatres and the art industry were given £1.57 billion in funding to help keep them afloat after being some of the last venues to be allowed to reopen.
Mr Dowden, announcing the cash boost and said small, local institutions needed to be protected as much as the “crown jewels” in London’s West End.
Mr Dowden said: “We will be prioritising it to those institutions that need it most, starting with the crown jewels of our national life – the Royal Albert Halls and so on of this world.
“But also making sure it reaches every part of the United Kingdom, the Leeds Playhouse or wherever else across the UK, where culture matters to people and matters to the local economy.”
Some shows and live music has been taking place behind closed doors, such as the BBC broadcasting classical concerts from Wigmore Hall.
How will social distancing work?
Questions have been asked about how theatres will be able to reopen if strict social distancing measures are in place.
Andrew Lloyd Webber described it as “impossible in the theatre” as he considers how to reopen his venues.
Intervals could also be extended to 45 minutes as it would take so long to get to the bar.
Hygienic door handles, thermal imaging cameras and disinfectant fog are all various counter-virus options.
In early May, theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh said the lockdown measures mean West End theatres are unlikely to reopen until 2021.
Mr Mackintosh, who is one of the most successful musical producers ever with shows including Cats and Les Misérables, told Michael Ball on BBC Radio 2: “The truth is until social distancing doesn’t exist any more, we can’t even plan to reopen.”
When did gyms reopen?
Indoor gyms in England reopened as of July 25.
Noticeable changes are in place to minimise the spread of coronavirus while adhering to new government guidelines.
Gyms are required to follow new rules such as limiting the number of people allowed to work out and equipment being thoroughly disinfected after each use.
Equipment would be spaced out or taken out of service to maintain social distancing.
Class sizes are reduced and sufficient time has to be allowed between each session to avoid groups waiting outside during changeover.
Gym-goers are encouraged to shower and change at home wherever possible.
Gyms are not yet reopen in Blackburn with Darwen and Leicester after local lockdown measures were introduced following a resurgence in coronavirus cases.
