The UK’s theatre industry is calling on audiences to wear face masks to help prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases from disrupting the vital Christmas season. With the emergence of the Omicron variant, theatre owners and production companies are taking proactive measures to ensure that performances can continue safely.
Earlier this week, the government mandated face coverings in shops and on public transport in England for the first time since July. However, theatres and other hospitality venues were exempt from this requirement. In response, many in the industry have decided to implement their own safety protocols.
A new initiative, “See It Safely,” developed by the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre groups, encourages regular testing for staff and performers, and requests that audiences wear face coverings and use contactless payments. The Royal Shakespeare Company was among the first to adopt these measures, announcing that face masks are now required at its Stratford-upon-Avon venue, except for children under 12 and those medically exempt.
“Our industry has been hit hardest throughout the pandemic,” said James Lane, producer at Crossroads Live, the world’s largest pantomime production company and the name behind global musicals such as Cats and Chicago. “We’ve had to be proactive in keeping our theatres open and our audiences safe.”
Lane emphasized that these efforts extend across the sector, involving venue owners, production firms, actors, and thousands of support staff. The hope is that by implementing these additional safety measures, theatres can avoid the significant losses experienced during previous lockdowns and continue to bring joy to audiences during the festive season.
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Wear masks to save Christmas shows: UK theaters' plea to audiences
cgtn.com
