London theatre from ActDrop

Owing to the coronavirus outbreak, most of London's theatres still remain closed ... though there are signs that the situation is beginning to change, albeit slowly.

Outdoor performances at theatres are allowed and some are taking place (for example at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre) though there are few venues in London which can deliver external performances given the nature of their spaces.

However, following an announcement by the Prime Minister on 13 August, indoor performances at theatres have been permitted since Saturday 15 August but with "socially distanced audiences".

That requirement still imposes considerable restrictions on theatres and many may well not reopen due to the economic implications of keeping audience members effectively separated in venues where space is particularly limited.

Many hit West End shows - like Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia, The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables - have already announced that they will not open again before next year and many shows due to open in the next few weeks have been postponed until 2021.

But there are some signs that theatres are tentatively beginning to find ways to produce live performances once again - and are eager to do so, not only to welcome audiences again to their venues but also to encourage general economic activity in their localities.

The Bridge Theatre at Tower Bridge, for example, has announced a repertoire of twelve one-person plays during September and October - find more details here.

And Nimax Theatres have announced that they will reopen their 6 West End theatres in sequence starting on 22 October 2020, again in compliance with government guidelines including social distancing.

A few smaller Fringe and Off West End theatres - like The Playhouse Theatre and The Space - have also announced revised schedules and reopening or are already running shows with social distancing.

Pantos

The panto season, due around the Christmas period, is still in doubt with many theatres around the UK having already cancelled festive productions.

Four of London's biggest pantos have been cancelled for this year - the venues involved are: Hackney Empire, The Lyric Hammersmith, Theatre Royal Stratford East and Queen's Theatre Hornchurch.


Eagle Late season

Thursday 17 September 2020

The Garden Theatre launches the EAGLE LATE season with the International hit musical revue, Naked Boys Singing!

National Theatre to reopen

Thursday 17 September 2020

The National's Olivier Theatre gets remodelled to stage a season of performances in-the-round from 21 October.

Win a ticket to see Ian McKellen

Wednesday 16 September 2020

Donate to The Space's crowdfunder and you'll be entered into a draw for tickets to an exclusive online Q and A with Sir Ian McKellen!

Lion & Unicorn Theatre to reopen

Wednesday 16 September 2020

Live, covid-secure performance will return to the Lion & Unicorn Theatre from September 30 with some brand-new work and some old favourites.

Godspell at West End Musical Drive In

Tuesday 15 September 2020

Sunday 4 October sees Godspell at West End Musical Drive In, combining an anniversary screening with live performances.

The queens are coming back!

Monday 14 September 2020

SIX will be the first West End musical to resume performances when it temporarily moves home from the Arts Theatre to the Lyric Theatre for an 11-week season.

The Space to host live shows next month

Friday 11 September 2020

Live performances return to the Isle of Dogs in October as The Space announces performances of shows postponed during the epidemic.

Rose extended due to huge demand

Friday 11 September 2020

The highly-acclaimed digital revival of Rose, starring Maureen Lipman, extends its run to 26 September.

New theatre festival at the White Bear

Thursday 10 September 2020

After pioneering online new writing with their show Bare E-ssentials, Encompass Productions return to the White Bear Theatre with Homecoming - A New Theatre Festival.

Macbeth from Big Telly Theatre

Tuesday 8 September 2020

Big Telly Theatre's Macbeth will headline the Belfast International Arts Festival this October.

More news ...

All our longer news items are here - and you can catch-up with shorter news stories here.