Following the latest government advice, theatres continue to stay open as part of the scientific rationale for managing the coronavirus outbreak.
Society Of London Theatre, the organisation that runs this website, and UK Theatre are in daily contact with the DCMS, members and theatre organisations across the world to share insight and experience, ensuring our theatre workforce and audiences are safe in accordance with the latest Public Health England and NHS advice.
Current measures being put in place by theatres include:
- Putting up posters up in theatres front of house sharing government advice on hand washing to encourage good hygiene for performers, staff and audiences
- Deep cleaning taking place regularly across venues
- Advising no physical contact at Stage Door and no backstage guests, and asking audiences to respect these policies during this period
- Limiting contact between audiences and front of house staff
- Clear refund and exchange policies in the event of a show being cancelled or postponed
This is a rapidly changing situation, and travel restrictions and public uncertainty have had an impact, particularly on theatre’s tourist market – but audiences who have booked are resilient, continuing to support their local theatres and the West End.
In uncertain and anxious times, theatre can provide a much-needed boost and escape. We would like to thank our audiences who continue to support us night after night, for staying calm, taking personal responsibility for their health and heeding hygiene advice.
We want to share again this useful government advice:
- If you develop a fever or a new persistent cough you should stay home and self-isolate for seven days and visit https://111.nhs.uk/service/covid-19 for further advice.
- If your symptoms worsen during home isolation or are no better after 7 days contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111. For a medical emergency dial 999.