Following the latest update from the Culture Secretary which announced that outdoor theatres can reopen from 11th July, Shakespeares Globe have announced that they will not be reopening as it is “not economically viable” to open to socially distanced audiences.
A spokesperson for the Shakespeare’s Globe said: “Despite the good news, open air theatres can reopen from 11 July, sadly it is still not economically viable for us to open with socially distanced performances. We’re an independent charity with very limited reserves.
“The Government understands our situation, and we are incredibly grateful for their promised investment in our sector, as well as recognition of the contribution theatre and the arts make to people’s lives. We are of course looking at other ways to share our beloved spaces, including broadcasting from our playhouses, but cannot open at scale at this time within social distancing guidelines.”
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre welcomed the government’s announcement and said they will “continue to explore ways in which we might be able to work with partners to find a safe and economic way for us to be able to open for a shorter period later this summer.”
Though we have no updates for when indoor theatres can reopen, the government has published a recovery plan which includes pilot trials to test safety measures.