Broadway to remain closed until 2021 as coronavirus continues to damage global theatre industry

New York’s commercial theatre scene shut in March

Broadway’s theatres will remain shut for the rest of 2020 in another blow to the global theatre industry.

Three months after New York’s theatre scene closed its doors due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Broadway League announced on Monday (29 June) that all tickets purchased until 3 January 2021 would be refunded or exchanged.

However, despite tickets expected to go on sale for next spring in the coming weeks, experts have warned that shows may not return until later in 2021.

“The Broadway experience can be deeply personal but it is also, crucially, communal,” Broadway League chairman Thomas Schumacher.

“The alchemy of 1,000 strangers bonding into a single audience fuelling each performer on stage and behind the scenes will be possible again when Broadway theatres can safely host full houses. Every single member of our community is eager to get back to work sharing stories that inspire our audience through the transformative power of a shared live experience.”

He continued: “The safety of our cast, crew, orchestra and audience is our highest priority and we look forward to returning to our stages only when it’s safe to do so. One thing is for sure, when we return we will be stronger and more needed than ever.”

Theatre has been one of the industries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic, with producer Cameron Mackintosh announcing that his West End productions including Hamilton and Les Misérables would not run again until 2021 and the Broadway version of Frozen shutting indefinitely.

Meanwhile, veteran actor Judi Dench said that she was worried she may not see theatres reopen in her lifetime if the government did not step in.