Coronavirus lockdown: Return of indoor shows is delayed with masks enforced in cinemas and museums

Restrictions on indoor performances at theatres and music venues will not ease for at least another two weeks

The reopening of indoor performances with socially distanced audiences has been delayed until 15 August at the earliest, Boris Johnson has announced.

Restrictions on indoor performances at theatres and music venues were scheduled to ease this weekend, but any lifts have been postponed due to concerns over a rise in coronavirus cases.

It has also been announced that visitors to museums, galleries and cinemas will be required to wear masks. This will be enforceable by law beginning 8 August.

Jon Morgan, director of Theatres Trust, said that “It is disappointing that socially distanced indoor performances will not be able to go ahead tomorrow.”

“However, in reality, the majority of theatres were not planning to reopen for shows tomorrow so a two-week delay will not make a huge difference,” he said.

Morgan continued, “Most theatres will not be able to put on productions until we reach Stage Five, which allows fuller audiences, so that is the most critical date for much of the sector.”

Earlier this month, the government announced a £1.75bn rescue package for theatres, arts and music venues.

On Thursday, award-winning actors and Fleabag co-stars Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Olivia Colman launched the Theatre Community Fund to help financially support the UK’s theatre sector amid the pandemic.

Celebrities including Gillian Anderson, Richard Curtis, Danny Boyle, Daisy Ridley and Gugu-Mbatha Raw are among the fund’s founder donors.