Cameron Mackintosh has voiced fears from theatre operators on both sides of the Atlantic that theatres will remain dark until early next year unless social distancing measures are lifted.
Speaking to Michael Ball on BBC Radio 2, the leading producer and theatre owner: “For major producers both sides of the Atlantic, the truth is until social distancing doesn’t exist anymore, we can’t even plan to reopen.
“We will be back, but we need time to get back. If we don’t hear (about lockdowns lifting) in a few weeks, I think the truth is we won’t be able to come back until early next year. I think that’s quite clear. And the longer it is until we can say social distancing is gone, the longer it’ll be for the theatre to come back.”
Referring to the need for social distancing Mackintosh also said: “We want the audience to feel safe, and we want the actors to feel safe.”
Last month the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and Equity reached an agreement to support actors during the current suspension of West End shows due to the Covid-19 crisis. Aimed at covering everything from long-running musicals to plays with limited runs, productions yet to open and shows which were still in rehearsal when the shutdown began, a statement released by the two organisations described the new deal as “the best possible framework for the long-term job security of performers and recovery of the West End”.
In the UK all West End theatre performances are currently cancelled up to at least 31 May 2020 while in the US, Broadway Theatres are closed through to 7 June.
A statement posted on the Broadway League website by president of the league early last month read: “Our top priority continues to be the health and well-being of Broadway theatregoers and the thousands of people who work in the theatre industry every day, including actors, musicians, stagehands, ushers, and many other dedicated professionals. Broadway will always be at the very heart of the Big Apple, and we join with artists, theatre professionals, and fans in looking forward to the time when we can once again experience live theatre together.”
Angela Thomas
SHARE THIS POST:
Comments are closed.