London theaters are getting ready for a gradual reopening from May 20, 2021. We have detailed all the conditions for reopening London theaters as well as the latest news!
A gradual return to the theater
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on February 22 a plan detailing the exit from confinement in England, by step.
After schools and stores in March and April, it will be the theaters' turn to reopen in May.
First, on May 17, London theaters will be allowed a partial gauge reopening. It will still be limited to 50% of the total capacity. Then, on June 21, the theaters could reopen to full capacity.
All of this, of course, provided there is no resurgence of the virus.
The shows that are making a comeback
Nica Burns, who co-owns the Nimax group has advertised on BBC 2, that its theaters could reopen at 50% as of May 17. The group owns 6 theaters: Apollo, Garrick, Duchess, Lyric, Palace and Vaudeville.
From May 17, the musicals Everybody's Talking About Jamie, Hairspray, Six et Hamilton will be back on stage. Followed in June by Cinderella, and Mamma Mia.
Other theaters in London have chosen to postpone their reopening to June or September. These reduced gauges represent a huge loss for producers who cannot recoup their investment if all the seats are not filled. This is for example the case of Back To The Future or Harry Potter And The Cursed Child.
The measures put in place for this reopening
In A press release from March 5, 2021, the Apollo Theater announced the conditions for its reopening:
- The gauge will be reduced to 50% capacity with spaced seats.
- A health questionnaire will be sent by e-mail 48 hours before the performance. Spectators will only be able to access their electronic tickets after completing this questionnaire.
- All tickets will be contactless.
- Masks are compulsory for spectators from 11 years old.
- The temperature will be taken on arrival at the theater
- Hand disinfection stations will be present throughout the building.
- Spectators will not be able to order drinks from the bar. A Click and Collect service for drinks will be done only from a mobile application
- Deep cleaning and sanitation of buildings.
- The theater will open additional entrances and exits
- Spectators will need to activate the NHS Track and Trace app (The English equivalent of Stop Covid). Thus, they will be warned of possible contact with an infected person.
What about artists?
As for the actors, they will have to carry out antigenic or PCR tests every 48 hours. They will also be fewer in the lodge and contacts will be limited. Technicians will be required to wear masks at all times backstage.
There will be no “meet and greet”, interviews / photos with the artists following the performances.
Finally some good news. When will the French theaters?