Bristol Old Vic has announced the return of mandatory face masks in the run-up to its busiest period of the year.
Despite the Government not requiring the precaution in theatres, bosses say the decision has been made "following feedback from audiences and staff".
It also cited the emergence of the new Omicron variant as a driving force behind the enhanced safety measures, and said it will also be encouraging audience members to "respect others’ personal space".
READ MORE: Coronavirus in numbers in Bristol as Omicron variant edges closer
The face mask rule will come into force on Monday (December 6), and will apply to everyone aged 12 and older.
Exemptions will apply for anyone who is younger than 12, anyone who is medically exempt, and anyone who has taken their mask off for the purpose of eating or drinking.
The venue's executive director Charlotte Geeves said: "Over the Christmas period we’ll be welcoming thousands of families to Bristol Old Vic and we know for many people this will be the first time they come back to a theatre – to share a little festive magic with the family.
"Our priority is to create the safest and most comfortable environment for people to visit, and we want to do all we can to ensure that we do not have to cancel performances and disappoint our audiences.
"We feel it is sensible to put these additional measures in place until such times as more data has been released about the new variant and its affects. We will reassess this as further data from Public Health England becomes available."
The mask policy will apply to all visitors while seated in the auditorium or walking around the building, unless they are exempt for one of the reasons outlined above.
State-of-the-art ventilation systems are also in place in the theatre and studio, which the theatre says "completely replace the air every four minutes".
Vulnerable audience members can also attend one of the Old Vic's designated 'guaranteed socially distanced' shows, ensuring people are seated further apart.
In a statement announcing the mask rule, a theatre spokesperson said staff test regularly and wear masks at all times, and that additional cleaning of all public spaces is also taking place.
The statement continued: "No-questions-asked exchange or credit on tickets [is available] if audience members no longer feel comfortable attending.
"Anyone who has already booked and does not feel comfortable with the new requirements will be offered a credit on their tickets."
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