Around 26 London Theatres had to close due to Covid outbreaks over the weekend with Hamilton, Wicked, Six, The Lion King and Cinderella some of the shows which suffered.More shows were forced to close on Monday and the National Theatre has delayed its major productions until after Christmas.
There is even more uncertainty for the industry if Boris Johnson, 57, imposes further restrictions on mass events which would include theatres.
Bookings are relatively low for early 2022 and some theatres have to decide on a daily basis if they can open.
Theatre producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh has expressed his concern about the future of the industry which has been plunged into semi-lockdown.
He said: “We’ve all used our reserves to get the shows back up.
“At the point that we’re trying to recoup some of our losses, we are in a dreadful state at the moment and desperately need the Government to help commercial theatre going through the next few weeks.”
Sir Cameron went on to argue that the industry was facing an actual lockdown or one by “stealth” with cast isolating and audiences staying away and that financial support was needed given the economic contribution of the arts to the London economy.
He said: “Whether we’re shut by the Government or shut by stealth because of all the mixed messages we’ve been getting – whatever happens, the Government does need to step in and help the hospitality and the commercial theatres that help keep London going.”
In an interview on Monday, the Prime Minister admitted new curbs may have to be brought in to curb the Omicron variant.
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However, at the same time the economic impact of these measures would need to be taken into account.
He said: “It is important we act cautiously but it is also important we look after the hospitality industry, the theatres and other parts of our incredible entertainment industry which have suffered and are suffering.”
Playwright James Graham responded on Twitter arguing the Prime Minister was delaying the inevitable.
He said: “Waiting for more data that proves an emergency is happening before you act to prevent that emergency from happening – isn’t prevention.
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“If only question is ‘when’, theatres/bars/pubs need it to be now for less, not later for longer.”
In light of the rising number of Omicron cases London Mayor Sadiq Khan has decided to cancel the New Year’s Eve celebration in Trafalgar Square.
He said: “With infections of COVID-19 at record levels across our city and the UK, I’m determined to work closely with partners in our city to do everything we possibly can to slow the spread of the new variant and ensure our NHS services are not overwhelmed this winter.”