Since the week began, a growing number of London theatres have been suspending or postponing productions amid the growing coronavirus pandemic. 

Theatres on Broadway went dark last week, and the West End is now following suit, after the government issued advice today (March 16) about avoiding large gatherings.

A statement from the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) said that theatres would be closed from tonight "until further notice", hoping to reopen as soon as possible following further recommendation. They also said that audience members with tickets to cancelled shows would be contacted about refunds.

Julian Bird, chief executive of SOLT and UK Theatre said: "We are extremely grateful to all of our audiences who have continued to support us for as long as they can, and to theatre staff across the country who have worked so hard in recent weeks to ensure the safety and enjoyment of audiences.

"Closing venues is not a decision that is taken lightly, and we know that this will have a severe impact on many of the 290,000 individuals working in our industry. In these uncertain times, SOLT and UK Theatre remain committed to helping provide vital support for those in need, and hope we are able to welcome audiences back to our theatres before too long."

The statement from SOLT continued: "Many theatres that have been forced to cancel performances are charitable enterprises, and while ticketholders are all entitled to a refund for cancelled performances, those who can afford to do so are encouraged to donate the cost of their ticket to show support for the theatre industry".

Before the announcement, many venues had already made unilateral decisions to temporarily close their doors, with a sense emerging across the sector that events were outpacing government guidance.

The Old Vic became the first major theatre to cancel shows on Sunday evening (March 15), bringing its run of Endgame starring Daniel Radcliffe to a close two weeks early. The Arcola, Turbine Theatre and Young Vic were among the venues that quickly followed suit. 

With each closure announcement came a plea for audiences to consider donating the cost of their ticket rather than requesting a refund, with many venues now forced to make difficult choices about their financial futures in the name of public health. 

Latest updates:

  • SOLT announces all West End performances are cancelled until April 26, while asking for clearer information from the government on timeframe for reopening
  • LIFT has announced the cancellation of its 2020 festival, which was due to take place from June 2 to July 11
  • Regent's Park Open Air Theatre announced that its production of 101 Dalmations would be postponed, and is now scheduled to run from May 15 to June 20
  • Brighton Festival has been cancelled for the first time in its 53-year history
  • The 2020 OIivier Awards have been cancelled after the closure of Royal Albert Hall. A statement from SOLT said: "We are working through plans on how to properly honour and announce this year’s winners, and will release further information soon."

West End

The Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre announced that, following government advice that people should avoid public buildings, all of its member venues would be closed - beginning from performances taking place that evening (March 16).

The statement said: "The theatres will remain closed until further notice and will re-open as soon as possible, following government recommendations."

Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre's announcement that the capital's theatres will close applies to all of London's major theatre venues.

Julian Bird, Chief Executive of SOLT and UK Theatre said the decision to close venues "is not taken lightly, and we know this will have a severe impact on many of the 290,000 individuals working in our industry. In these uncertain times, SOLT and UK Theatre remain committed to helping provide vital support for those in need, and hope we are able to welcome audiences back to our theatres before too long."

The statement said that ticketholders are entitled to a refund for cancelled performances, but encouraged those who could afford to do so to donate the cost of their ticket to "show support for the theatre industry".

National Theatre

The National Theatre announced "with deep regret" on the evening of March 16 that all performances would be cancelled until further notice, beginning with The Visit. It said ticket-holders would be contacted from March 17, with more details to come from the organisation.

Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House in Covent Garden announced "with a heavy heart" that it would close the building and cancel all performances with immediate effect, following the government's new advice.

Alex Beard, the Royal Opera House's Chief Executive, said: "The staff and artists of the ROH are vital to the lifeblood of our art forms, without them we would simply not exist. This suspension of performances will impact not only our loyal audience but also our committed and talented workforce. We will work within the government guidelines to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff and artists during this difficult time. 

Our employees, permanent and casual, are reliant on the income which we derive through ticket purchases. Without performances it is inevitable that we will become more reliant on philanthropic support and charitable donations."

He therefore urged ticket-holders to consider donating the cost of their ticket rather than claiming a refund, adding: "Our number one priority is to support each other during this unprecedented situation."

Old Vic Theatre

The Old Vic was the first major London theatre to react to the coronavirus crisis with a closure, bringing its production of Endgame to a close two weeks early. In a statement, the theatre said while it had “no reason to disagree with current scientific and government advice on coping with the coronavirus, given the new travel and other restrictions in place it is nevertheless becoming increasingly impractical to sustain business as usual at our theatre.”

It added that offering a full refund for all cancelled performances “would be financially devastating for us”, asking ticket-holders to consider donating their ticket cost instead. In return they will receive a full video recording of a performance of the show, a video message from the cast and a year-long free Friends membership.

The statement added: “It is unthinkable that the creativity and brilliance of our artists and those incredible people who uphold this 202-year-old institution every day will be diminished by this unprecedented situation.”

The Old Vic’s next production is 4000 Miles starring Timothee Chalamet and Dame Eileen Atkins, with opening night due for April 16. Currently all performances are scheduled to go ahead as planned. 

Royal Court Theatre

The Royal Court Theatre released a statement to say that "the exponential escalation of this public health emergency, and its impact on people’s lives and responsibilities, mean that the current conditions for the Royal Court Theatre’s core mission - creating theatre and inviting the public in to share in it - no longer seem viable."

It went on to say that after consultation with staff, writers and current companies it had made the "difficult but ultimately inevitable decision to cease performances and rehearsals as of today".

It continued: "We will also be postponing our spring work during these difficult months. Over the coming weeks we will remodel the postponed work into our future programme. The organisation will therefore continue to function towards a renewed and confident future in spite of the many challenges ahead.

"As a well-funded National Portfolio Organisation we acknowledge and welcome the support Arts Council England is providing to us but are concerned that many in the sector, both companies and individuals, will struggle to weather this crisis. We will do all we can to support and lobby for you."

The statement said the theatre would be in contact with all ticket-bookers soon.

Almeida Theatre

The Almeida has taken the "difficult decision" to close until further notice, saying: "Currently we have cancelled the first three weeks of "Daddy” from Monday 30 March – Saturday 18 April, and all ticket holders for these performances will be contacted shortly. We anticipate that it may be necessary to postpone both “Daddy” and The House of Shades, until a time in which it is safe to resume rehearsals and performances. Currently we have taken both productions off sale and if we need to cancel or move more performances we will communicate that with all ticket holders affected in good time."

They added a plea for ticket holders to donate or exchange their ticket rather than seek a refund, as well as saying: "We will continue to think of ways we can still connect with you all remotely. We are looking at how we can make some of our archived productions and/or unseen digital content available online to our audiences."

Sadler's Wells

The North London-based dance venue announced it would be closed for a period of up to 12 weeks, hoping to resume performances on 9 June.

It advised ticket-holders that they could claim a refund for any tickets bought for cancelled performances, or claim credit for future productions. It added that there was also the option to donate all or part of the cost their ticket to the venue.

Alistair Spalding, the Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Sadler's Wells described it as "an unprecedented and uncertain time."

"The coronavirus pandemic is increasingly affecting people’s lives, health and livelihoods. While we know cancelling performances for a substantial period of time will have a significant financial impact for us, our priority is to ensure our staff, artists and audiences are keeping safe. We will work together to support each other and face the difficult period ahead.” 

Young Vic Theatre

The Young Vic announced it had made the “difficult decision’ that all further performances of Nora: A Doll’s House  would be cancelled, as “the health and wellbeing of our audiences and staff will always be our priority”. Performances of the show, which was due to close on March 21, had been cancelled on the Saturday due to a cast member self-isolating. It issued a plea for ticket-holders to consider donating the cost of their tickets, adding that “the uncertainty ahead is a huge worry for those who work for and with us, as it is for the theatre sector as a whole”. 

Hampstead Theatre

The Hampstead Theatre has suspended all future performances until further notice, including their productions of The Dumb Waiter, The Two Character Play, The Death of a Black Man, ‘night, Mother and Sleepwalking. They said: "We are very proud of this anniversary season and are grateful for the dedication of our outstanding creative teams, performers and staff.

"It is with great sadness that we have made this decision, but the welfare of our audiences, staff and artists is of paramount importance to us. We regret any disappointment caused, and we are committed to presenting this season at a later date, to be confirmed in due course."

Barbican Theatre

The Barbican has announced it will close its buildings entirely until further notice. They said in a statement that they "recognise the significant impact that this closure will have on all those we work with or are due to attend our events". They have asked customers to check the website for refunds for cancelled events and to avoid contacting the box office until they have provided more information.

Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall has closed until further notice and that the decision has been taken “with a heavy heart”.

The statement continued: “We’ve been here for the nation for almost 150 years in good times and bad. We exist to be open, to entertain, to inspire. Our doors are made to be open to the world and so it goes against everything in our nature to close them. But these aren’t normal times and we find ourselves in the unique situation where closing our doors is the best way to look after the world.”

The venue explained that although the closure will be “financially devastating”, it has committed to pay its staff “through various closure scenarios”.

The Olivier Awards is due to take place at the venue in April; no word yet on how this will be affected.

Southbank Centre

The whole Southbank Centre, including Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall, has now closed, stating that "the health and wellbeing of out staff, artists and visitors is our top priority.

The statement continues: "We are very sorry that we have to close our doors. We believe that access to art, music and creativity can be a tonic for us all and we will be trying hard to find ways of working with our artists to keep that idea alive even though our venues are closed. Our thoughts are with everyone who is being affected by this situation and we pass on our very best wishes to all of you and your loved ones."

English National Opera

The English National Opera, which is based at the London Coliseum, announced it had made "the very difficult decision" to close the building with immediate effect. It added that it would be in touch with ticket-holders in due course.

The ENO's statement thanked its audiences and supporters, saying "we will do everything we can to reopen as soon as possible and to continue to entertain you all in the coming weeks. For now, please stay safe and protect the vulnerable. We hope to welcome you back to London's biggest theatre very soon."​

Kiln Theatre

The Kilburn-based theatre announced performances of Antoinette Nwandu's Pass Over  would be cancelled from 16-21 March due to a cast member "undergoing precautionary self-isolation". Ticket-holders will be emailed about next steps.

In a statement, the theatre said it was reviewing planned performances of production from March 23 to April 4 and continuing to follow advice from Public Health England. Screenings at the Kiln's cinema are continuing and its cafe remains open.

Menier Chocolate Factory

After announcing all tickets would be reduced to 20 in a bid to keep audiences numbers up , the Menier Chocolate Factory suspended its forthcoming production of Paula Vogel’s Indecent up to and including April 12. In a statement, the theatre said it would be monitoring the situation and adjusting plans as necessary in line with government advice and the needs of the company. 

It continued: “We remain committed to the production – Paula Vogel’s play is a rare and beautiful piece of writing, and we will be proud to share it with audiences at The Chocolate Factory when the time is right.”

Ticket-holders were advised they will be contacted by their point of sale to discuss their options, but the statement added that as an unsubsidised venue “it will impact on us greatly.”

“If you are in a position to support us – and we understand not everyone can, by donating the cost of your ticket, that would be hugely appreciated.”

Bush Theatre

The Bush Theatre announced it would be cancelling all remaining performances of The High Table and Collapsible in light of government advice.

The venue said in a statement: “In light of the latest government advice to avoid public gatherings, we are cancelling the remaining performances of The High Table and Collapsible from tonight.

“If you are a ticket holder for the cancelled performances, our box office team will be in contact within the next 48 hours to manage your booking. We’re a small team so please bear with us.”

Arcola Theatre

The Arcola Theatre  in Dalston announced it would suspend all performances indefinitely in order to avoid contributing to the spread of the virus. 

In a statement it said: “The impact of COVID-19 is a critical threat to Arcola and to the livelihoods of all those who work in the arts. Most of Arcola’s funding comes from people coming to see our performances. Without these performances, the vast majority of our income is gone. But we do not believe that it is practical or responsible for us to stage shows while people’s lives are at risk.

“We are determined to survive, to retain our dedicated team, and to get our shows back on track as soon as possible. So we need your help urgently. Arcola Theatre is a registered charity, and any donation – large or small – will ensure that our theatre stays thriving, long after this crisis is past.”

Donations can be made at: arco.la/covid19

Soho Theatre

The Soho Theatre announced it would be suspending all programming and closing the building from Monday evening (March 16).

In a statement it said: “Following this afternoon’s (March 16) Government announcement, we are suspending our programme and closing the Soho Theatre and Soho Theatre Bar to the public. We will be contacting all affected companies, artists and ticket-holders as soon as we can, we ask please for your patience and understanding as we do this.

“Soho Theatre is a registered charity and a social enterprise. Like everyone we are trying to find a way through these incredibly worrying and unprecedented times. While our venue is closed to the public, we are looking at alternative ways in which we can work with those in our industry, support their well-being and livelihood and share work with you, our audiences."

They urged people to keep engaged with their emails and social media for any updates.

Theatre Royal Stratford East

The Stratford theatre has announced its closure for the foreseeable future, cancelling all remaining performances of Frantic Assembly's I Think We Are Alone.

Artistic director Nadia Fall said: "Though this is with a heavy heart, the wellbeing of both our staff and the wider community is our biggest priority.

Theatre Royal Stratford East is a beloved cornerstone of the local community as well as the London theatre landscape and we are determined to survive this closure and to return with gusto, with new and exciting shows to entertain you all when this is all over!" She asked those who feel able to donate to the theatre saying, "your support would mean a lot and go a long way to ensuring that we survive."

The Yard Theatre

The Hackney Wick venue has announced closure and cancellation of all performances and events.

Their statement said: "This is an extraordinary and difficult time for all theatres. The closure of our spaces will have a huge impact on our communities, the artists and young people we work with, our staff and freelancers, and the local residents who rely on our services.

"As a small organisation who largely rely on the income we can generate ourselves, we are in dialogue with Arts Council England and our other partners about the support we will need to survive over the coming months.We have been hugely grateful to see people making donations over the last 24 hours – if you feel able to support us in any way to ensure that all our programmes and spaces can reopen as soon as practically possible we would be grateful for any donation, big or small: theyardtheatre.co.uk/support-us."

Park Theatre

The Finsbury Park-based theatre announced all remaining shows of La Cage aux Folles would be cancelled as “a precautionary measure” due to cast members self-isolating. It was due to run until March 21. All ticketholders will be contacted.

It added: “Corpse! is currently going ahead as scheduled.”

Turbine Theatre

Paul Taylor-Mills, the artistic director of the South London theatre which only opened last year,  said it had taken the “difficult but necessary” decision to cancel all performances until April 18. Ticket-holders were advised to contact the point of sale and keep an eye on the theatre’s social media platforms for updates.

Bunker Theatre

The Bunker Theatre, which was due to permanently close its doors this month, made the “soul-destroying” decision to postpone its Power Share event, stating it hoped the event could take place at another venue in future. 

Finborough Theatre

The Earl’s Court theatre announced it would postpone two upcoming productions, Hockey Mom Hockey Dad (now running next year) and Women Without Men (now running in August). Its current production Not Quite Jerusalem is set to run as planned until March 28.

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