The Government has announced this afternoon that the planned easing of restrictions tomorrow, Saturday 1 August, will not be going ahead due to a rise in the number of new coronavirus cases across the country.
Theatres were among the businesses that were to be allowed to re-open with social distancing measures from tomorrow, alongside casinos, bowling alleys, and beauty salons. Pilots for inside performances and sports events are also suspended.
These services will continue to remain closed for at least two weeks, meaning that they will not be able to open until 15 August at the very earliest.
Boris Johnson said that this would be “squeezing the break” and that they still intend to move forwards.
Face coverings will be required in more indoor spaces, including cinemas, galleries and places of worship, and this will be enforceable by law from 8 August.
Luckily, this news doesn’t affect outdoor theatres, so performances as Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre along with many new and existing open-air venues across the UK will still go ahead.