Theatres in England permitted to reopen from 17 May

The Prime Minister has confirmed that step 3 of the reopening roadmap will take effect on 17 May.

From this date theatres will be permitted to reopen for audiences of 1,000 or 50% capacity (whichever is smaller).

Theatres Trust Director Jon Morgan responds:

Today’s announcement from the Prime Minister that step 3 of the reopening roadmap will proceed as planned on 17 May is welcome news for theatres and audiences alike. While many theatres in England are planning to reopen in some capacity, whether in their usual buildings or in temporary outdoor performance spaces, there are still tough times ahead for the sector. Most theatres are not financially viable with audiences below 70% capacity. Therefore, many theatres reopening at this point will be doing so at a loss and others will be unable to reopen until fuller audiences can be welcomed back. We hope the results of the government’s Events Research Programme will enable the confident return of full audiences at step 4 from 21 June.

Image: Stephen Joseph Theatre, which plans to reopen on 18 May