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Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden 'working intensively' with theatres on plans for safe reopenings

@OliverDowden
@OliverDowden

The Culture Secretary has said he is working “intensively” to ensure theatres can reopen, adding that the pantomime season is “key” to their success.

Oliver Dowden made the comments after visiting the London Palladium, where he met with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Mr Dowden tweeted: “I saw v comprehensive safety measures in place at London Palladium this morning with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Public Health England.

“Despite the huge challenges, we’re working intensively with them and others to get theatres open as soon as safe and I know that panto season is key.”

While pubs, bars and cinemas are set to reopen on Saturday, live performances are set to remain banned as part of the Government’s ongoing response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Dire warnings have been issued about the future of the theatre industry if additional support is not given to venues.

The Royal Exchange in Manchester announced this week up to 65% of its staff could be made redundant due to continued uncertainty around reopening dates.

Nuffield Southampton Theatres, which went into administration in May, confirmed it would permanently close after attempts to find a buyer were unsuccessful.

Last week the Theatre Royal in Newcastle announced plans to make half of its staff redundant and the Theatre Royal Plymouth said they are starting consultations about job losses following a plunge in revenues.

Lord Lloyd Webber has previously called on the theatre industry to be more “positive” about its future amid the pandemic.

He added that he hoped to trial measures used for a Phantom Of The Opera show in South Korea, and had ordered hygienic door handles and thermal imaging cameras.

Lord Lloyd Webber said that he was planning to do a “whole series of tests” at the London Palladium.

Mr Dowden recently unveiled a five-stage plan that could see the return of the performing arts, but gave no further updates on a financial rescue package he previously pledged in an interview with the Standard .

Additional reporting by Press Association

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