Theatres are trapped in a painful game of ‘Jeopardy!’

The story is becoming wearingly familiar. After busting a gut to get themselves Covid-safe — those that had the wherewithal to do so — performance venues were plunged into suspended animation on bonfire night (a painful coincidence) by lockdown. At least rehearsals were allowed, within restrictions, but what a ghostly existence, to be perfecting a show with no real idea whether or not anyone will be permitted to see it.  

As reported today, the Government’s announcement of a new, tightened tier system has prompted mixed reactions in the sector. With two more agonising days to go before the Government gameshow (Six Out of 10 Guests? What’s My Tier? or just: Jeopardy!) announces the winning and losing regions, senior figures are already warning that this fragile sector is at risk of collapse.

Theatres in the top tier will remain indefinitely closed, haemorrhaging funds, while the restrictions on audience numbers in the lower tiers will mean that many venues simply cannot make opening add up.

Nobody is expecting the Government to throw caution to the wind and allow theatres to go the whole Christmas roast. Nobody wants to risk lives by packing houses and yelling, “Oh no it isn’t” at vulnerable family groups. And nobody expects any sector to be propped up to the point that no job is lost and no talent drifts away into other, more stable industries.  

But what the entertainment sector does need, and should expect, is some reassurance. This is, it’s worth repeating, a £7 billion industry. Theatre ranks second only to heritage in the reasons given by international tourists for their visits. Its audiences support London’s hospitality sector. And, no less important, it educates, delights, enrages, transports and changes people. It must not be lost. And so theatres need to know that the Government is prepared to continue to provide support where possible — from backing cancellation insurance and continuing furlough payments, to exempting theatres from serving “a substantial meal” with alcohol. I can guarantee, nobody got Covid by buying an overpriced mediocre wine before a show, but it would definitely help theatres stay open if they could. Let’s use our heads.