Relaxing the two-metre social distancing rule will not solve the problems the theatre industry faces, the Culture Secretary has said.
Oliver Dowden said that venues operate on “wafer-thin” profit margins and would struggle to function at lower capacities even if the distance was revised down to one metre.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press conference, he said that it would be “exceptionally difficult” for theatres to open while social distancing measures are in place, whereas it could allow cinemas to begin screenings.
Addressing the two-metre rule, he added: “It will still be immensely challenging for theatres...they work on wafer-thin profit margins. They need lots of people packed in.”
Dowden added that he has been in touch with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber about measures that have been put in place for productions in countries including South Korea.
Last month Lloyd Webber reportedly asked the Government to consider requiring audiences to wear face masks and have mandatory temperature checks at venues.
Dowden said that the Cultural Renewal Taskforce, set up last month, had made progress but “it is clear that we need greater flexibility to overcome some of the very specific and practical obstacles to the return of live performance,” adding: “That’s why over the next week we will be convening experts in a targeted way, bringing together some of our leading performers in theatre, choirs and orchestras with medical experts and advisers.”
With additional reporting by Press Association
