Theatres Trust responds to new restrictions

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces a tightening up of restrictions including a 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants.

Theatres Trust Director Jon Morgan responds:

"While not directly mentioning theatres, this curfew demonstrates that town and city centre businesses such as theatres continue to be under threat. Theatres that were considering reopening with social distancing in place will be less likely to take the risk. Crucially the six month time frame signals that we will not see theatres being able to fully reopen in the near future – the all-important Stage 5 in the government’s recovery roadmap.

With the job retention scheme ceasing at the end of October, it will herald more job losses, risks more theatres closing permanently – and will result in irreversible damage to our cultural landscape. It is imperative that the government considers sector-specific support such as extending the furlough scheme until such time as it is safe for theatres to reopen fully".

Update: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has since confirmed that the curfew will not apply to theatre shows so long as they begin before 10pm. Theatre bars and restaurants will be unable to serve alcohol after 10pm. Non-professional groups can meet so long as it is in a Covid-19 Secure venue and groups of six are adhered to.

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