Different theatres have different reserves, subsidies and donors. But disaster looms for all
BRITISH THEATRE has endured crises before. Playhouses closed during outbreaks of the plague: between 1603 and 1613, William Shakespeare’s later play-writing years, the Globe theatre in London was shut for a total of 78 months. War can have a similar effect. All the country’s theatres were shuttered at the start of the civil war in 1642 and did not reopen until the Puritans lost power in 1660. All theatres closed at the outbreak of the second world war, though some were quick to reopen.
One in three theatres receives a public subsidy. On average they have already seen these grants shrink by one-third since 2010. Having responded to a decade of austerity by maximising income from ticket sales, fundraising and catering, they are now seeing covid-19 shatter their earning power. . Even a behemoth like the Royal Opera House has said its reserves will not last beyond the autumn.
As countries emerge from lockdown, and different sectors try to incorporate social distancing, drama has a particularly acute worry. Subsidised theatres need to fill “north of 65-70% of seats to break even”, says Mr Bird. Commercial West End shows may have to sell more than 90% of tickets to do the same. With social-distancing measures in place, they simply cannot make enough money.
Nobody has solid plans for reopening. Some theatres—those with a bit more space and a bit more scope for redesign—might hope for a resumption of sorts by Christmas. Cameron Mackintosh, a producer, has announced that “Les Misérables”, “Mary Poppins”, “Hamilton” and “The Phantom of the Opera” will not return until 2021. Even when they do consider it financially viable to put on a show again, they will worry about audiences.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump Supporters Swarm Tulsa, Campaign Staff Test Positive for COVID-19The imagery brings all the worry to life ... thousands of people are lined up outside the Tulsa venue where Donald Trump will hold his campaign rally Saturday night, and it's hard to spot masks in the crowd.
Read more »
National coin shortage: Pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters part of latest COVID-19 shortageThe coronavirus pandemic has caused a nationwide coin shortage, according to the Federal Reserve, which is temporarily allocating coin inventories.
Read more »
Tulsa rally live updates: Secret Service staffers among six who tested positive for COVID-19Trump's rally in Tulsa is his first campaign event since before the coronavirus shut down the country. Here's the latest updates from the event.
Read more »
At Tulsa Rally, Trump Says 'Kung Flu' is Among Names for COVID-19The President further claimed that his administration is not recognized for the work they have done toward slowing the coronavirus pandemic. 'All we do is get hit on like we're terrible,' he said.
Read more »
Brazil's Covid-19 deaths near 50,000 – latest updatesBrazil's Covid-19 death toll inches towards 50,000. Here are some other updates: 🇲🇽 Mexico reports nearly 4,717 new infections 🇿🇦 South Africa reports nearly 5,000 new cases 🇵🇸 Palestinians close two West Bank cities For more:
Read more »
Comedian D.L. Hughley Reveals COVID-19 Diagnosis After Being Treated for ExhaustionA Twitter video posted Friday evening shows Hughley's speech starting to slur before slumping over on his stool and falling to the ground. He was initially treated for exhaustion and dehydration.
Read more »