West End theatres to close as London enters Tier 3
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The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) said the move would cause “catastrophic financial difficulties" for venues, producers and thousands of workers.”
Andrew Lloyd Webber issued a statement saying: “I feel devastated for all those in theatre who have tried so hard to provide entertainment for the Christmas season. Theatres have worked tirelessly to make themselves as COVID-safe as possible. It does seem arbitrary and unfair that people can jostle uncontrolled in crowded shops yet orderly socially-distanced theatre-going is banned. However, I reluctantly have to agree with the government’s decision to put London in Tier 3. Saving lives, protecting the NHS and getting this virus under control has now got to be the top priority.”
He added: “I do hope that even a crumb of the £1.57bn made available for the arts could be given to those who have spent an enormous amount of time and money to mount productions for this season and to support the actors, musicians and stage crews who will yet again be put out of a job.”
Producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh, whose shows include Les Miserables, said the government's "sudden volt[e] face" was "devastating for both the theatre and the economy". He added: "The constant changes of rules and advice we have received is impossible for any business to react to," he continued. "Where is the leadership this government promised?"
Culture secretary Oliver Dowden said he knew the move would have a "huge impact" but that the government "must act quickly".
Anyone impacted by the news and in need of support should visit www.wemakeevents.com/support/ for access to a range of resources.
