Liverpool’s Royal Court theatre has announced how it will help patrons ease back into theatregoing when legal restrictions are removed on July 19.
As expected the Royal Court, like many other theatres, will not allow unfettered access to auditoria but will institute voluntary actions to keep patrons safe.
The Royal Court will retain social distancing measures until the end of July, but will then gradually relax its actions: an extra week of performances of the play Ellen and Rigby will run from August 3-6, with full capacity seating in the stalls and circle, while social distancing will remain in the balcony section.
Between August and October, the full runs of Bouncers (August 13-September 11), and Homebaked, The Musical (September 24-October 23) will run normally, but with special areas of distanced seating for those who prefer it.
As well as this option, the theatre will continue with several of the current anti-Covid measures, such as hand sanitising stations, the air circulation system and anti-bacterial “fogging” of the auditorium on every performance day. Audience members will also be asked to wear a mask as they move around the building. The areas with retained social-distancing will also continue temperature checks and one-way systems.
All staff will be taking daily Covid tests and the theatre is encouraging patrons to do the same before attending. Ticket exchanges and refunds will continue to be available for anyone who cannot attend due to a positive test or the need to isolate.
Executive producer Kevin Fearon said: “The relaxation of the rules is great news. We have been looking forward to the announcement for a long time.
“That being said, we are very aware that a lot of people will still feel a little anxious about coming after such a long time. We want to provide our audience with a choice and I think this new plan gives people that.”
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