After a few weeks in which theatres had started to reopen or announce imminent plans to kickstart new seasons the curtain looks set to come down on live entertainment once again as the Covid crisis continues.
In the wake of a day of frenzied media speculation following a leaked report, the Government was forced to confirm plans were being drawn up for a second lockdown which would come into effect on 5 November and last until 2 December, subject to Parliamentary approval in a vote on 4 November.
During a hastily arranged Downing Street press conference, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the decision made in response to dire warnings about the NHS from Government scientists and advisors. While revealing local lockdowns had started to have an effect in some areas where people had been adhering to the guidelines, the PM said the lockdown decision had been prompted by fears that cases were growing in low incidence areas with scientists predicting hospitals across the country could be overwhelmed by the end of November.
According to the initial advice uploaded to the Government website, although the lockdown will not be as stringent as the one the country entered into in March, the effect on the arts industry will be largely the same. Once again it states ‘to reduce social contact the Government will order certain businesses and venues (including theatres and concert halls) to close’. Theatres and venues have already started contacting ticketholders to warn of cancelled performances.
As originally planned, the PM will present the proposed new measures to the Commons on 2 November and MPs will have the opportunity to discuss the plans and suggest any amendments or changes before voting takes place on 4 November.
The furlough scheme, which guarantees 80% of eligible workers’ wages and was due to end, will now be extended for the national lockdown period, but many performing arts freelancers have not been eligible via that plan or the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.
Jon Morgan, director of the Theatres Trust, which launched its own Theatre Reopening Fund last week, said: “While we understand the absolute necessity of protecting lives at this critical time, Theatres Trust is disappointed that theatres will have to close for a further month during the November lockdown. Many theatres were only just managing to reopen or were preparing to reopen with Christmas shows and this news will come as a further blow to an already struggling sector.
“We are seeking urgent clarification whether theatre rehearsals, alongside television and film production, can continue as without this Christmas shows will not go ahead. This further setback means theatres will need to further delay their reopenings and many will still be unable to do so viably under the three tier system. While we are grateful that the government has extended the furlough scheme for a further month to cover lockdown, theatres still need further sector specific support beyond the end of November to ensure this latest blow does not lead to more closures.”
Musical productions already cancelled or postponed include Six at the Lyric Theatre (part of Nimax Theatres’ plans to reopens its six West End venues), The Color Purple at Curve in Leicester and Rent at the Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester.
Angela Thomas
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