It has been a year since the theatre world was forced to lock its doors to the public owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even the most iconic West End shows such as Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera have been out of action for the longest time. However, as we navigate through a new year, the question that has been plaguing the minds of all theatre enthusiasts – when will theatres reopen – is about to be answered.
West End Reopening Date – 17 May 2021
After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a few productions had reopened briefly in December 2021 with social distancing methods firmly in place. But the steady rise in the number of cases forced these productions to shut their doors to the public once again, which continued on to 2021 when the country entered a national lockdown.
However, in a recent development, it has been announced that viewers can expect West End shows to resume from 17 May 2021- with social distancing methods firmly in place, of course. And with the vaccination program gaining momentum, it gives us reason to hope that the theatre viewing experience, be it indoors or outdoors, will go back to normal before the end of the year.
West End Shows that are Opening Soon
The past few weeks have seen numerous West End shows announcing their new opening dates. So if you wish to catch the first West End curtain rise, these are the shows you have to look out for. Viewers can book tickets online or by telephone.
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
What to Expect When West End Shows Reopen?
It has indeed been announced that West End shows will reopen their doors to the public from 17th May 2021. However, the ongoing pandemic is sure to affect one’s theatre-viewing experience. All the theatres reopening in May will have to subject themselves to several safety measures and social distancing protocols.
Apart from the mandatory donning of masks and increased sanitization, several other restrictions will be put in place to ensure that all viewers have a safe and comfortable experience. For now, theatres will run at 50% capacity, with a maximum of 1000 people in each show. Outdoor shows, on the other hand, can have a maximum of 4000 viewers.
However, as the country enters Stage 4 on 21st June, it is expected that these restrictions will be lifted and that theaters will start functioning at 100% capacity.
