What to expect as theatres reopen in London
An overview of the changes theatres across London will adopt ahead of their long-awaited reopening.
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The pandemic has severely affected theatres across the country to the extent that some are now in danger of permanently shutting down. The past few months of closure and lockdown measures have been tough for theatres, as a result of losing much of their revenue and funding. In April 2019, Arts Council England estimated that the arts and culture industry plays a significant role in the UK economy, contributing £10.8 billion a year. Any setback for the industry means that the UK loses out economically as well as culturally. Supporting the arts and reintegrating them into day to day life is crucial. Hence, in July, the UK government outlined plans for an arts rescue package of £1.57 billion.
However, some theatres and entertainment venues will not be relieved of the financial hardships caused by the pandemic. In early September, Kensington’s Royal Albert Hall, ineligible for the government’s rescue package, was forced to launch an urgent appeal for donations worth £20 million in an effort to avert closing its doors once and for all.
The venue has a long history of providing entertainment to many and has been recognised as an important and treasured part of London’s culture since its opening in 1871. Thus, it comes as no surprise that theatres everywhere have been eager to welcome back members of the public since the UK imposed lockdown restrictions earlier this year.
London’s West End, usually bustling with life and noise, has been eerily quiet since March. Earlier last week, six theatres in the West End announced that they would start running shows again. The first performance to run will be Adam Kay’s comedy “This is Going to Hurt”, starting from October 22.
However, despite finally being able to bring life to the stage again, the costs of carrying out the necessary health and safety measures and the limited generated revenue means that the West End theatres will be unable to make a profit. It is also likely that other theatres and entertainment venues will continue to struggle financially and this in itself may act as a reason for some to not reopen so promptly.
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Furthermore, whilst returning to the theatre would theoretically provide a chance for many to momentarily escape reality and forget about the pandemic, going to the theatre will likely no longer be the same enjoyable affair as it once was. Much like most other public establishments, London theatres find themselves scrambling to adhere to the frequently-changing government-imposed rules, regulations and restrictions. Face masks will have to be worn, social distancing measures will have to be maintained by keeping certain seats free and the availability and use of facilities will be reduced.
Moreover, as people continue to gradually ease back into normal life and the number of Covid-19 cases fluctuates in the UK, it becomes increasingly imperative to limit the ever-present risk of a second wave. For that reason, theatres have stated that they will be implementing further health and safety measures such as performing daily tests on cast and crew members, enacting one-way systems and checking theatre-goers temperatures before entering the venue.
But it hasn’t all been bad. The staff members who have been furloughed will finally be able to return to work. Whilst waiting in the wings for their return to the stage, some theatres diverted their attention and time towards their local communities. With production halted, some took to the Internet, live streaming actors reciting monologues on Instagram. The performances to come will hopefully give at least some of those affected by the loneliness epidemic that arose as a result of lockdown measures, comfort and refuge from the strange changes taking place in the world.