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Major British theatre chain ATG has backed the move to minimise the spread of COVID-19
Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 20 Jul 2021
The Savoy Theatre, home to Pretty Woman: The Musical will be trailing the new safety measures Credit: Helen Maybanks
Several of London’s West End theatres, including those owned by major theatre chain ATG, have introduced new safety measures designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during performances.
With England lifting its COVID restrictions on July 19 theatres can for the first time in more than a year, return to full-capacity.
Despite the government easing its COVID prevention measures, the certification will see audience members over the age of 18 provide evidence of their COVID status.
For ATG theatres, attendees can provide the venue with one of three forms of evidence; supplying proof of a negative lateral flow test taken within 48 hours of the visit; via the NHS app if the attendee has received their second vaccine dose at least two weeks before the event; or by providing proof of antibodies based on a positive PCR test taken within six months of the visit. For anyone under the age of 18, venue staff will need verbal confirmation from a parent or guardian that they haven’t recently tested positive for the virus.
According to What’s On Stage, customers unwilling to comply will be denied entry and won’t be eligible for a refund, while those who are unable to meet the criteria will be issued with a credit voucher.
Venues are also strongly advising that face masks be worn throughout performances.
Shows trialling the scheme include Pretty Woman: The Musical at the Savoy Theatre and Come From Away at The Phoenix Theatre.
The measures will also be trialled at Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre, where they will come into effect tomorrow (July 21).
Cinderella
At the Gillian Flynn Theatre, home to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s long-anticipated Cinderella, audience members over the age of 11 will have to test no more than 48-hours before the performance, regardless of vaccine status.
The show, which has been in pre-production for more than two years, was forced to axe its press night, set to take place yesterday (July 19), as well as several upcoming performances, after a cast member tested positive for COVID-19.
“We have been forced into a devastating decision which will affect the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of people and disappoint thousands who have booked to see the show,” the composer shared in a statement on Instagram.
“Cinderella was ready to go. My sadness for our cast and crew, our loyal audience and the industry I have been fighting for is impossible to put into words. Freedom Day has turned into closure day,” he added.
Actress Carrie Hope Fletcher, the production’s leading lady, said: “COVID got us. So sorry to everyone who had tickets to however many performances won’t be going ahead.
“Belleville will open its gates eventually. Just not today.”
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