Freedom Day brings new constraints on theatre going

With the lifting of all COVID restrictions by Boris Johnson as part of the so-called Freedom Day, it has been revealed that new restrictions will affect just can gain admittance to theatres.

Boris Johnson's policy dictates of lifting all COVID restrictions yesterday on the so-called Freedom Day in favour of the public using common sense has lasted less than a day.

We have learned that new restrictions around large indoor gatherings primarily concerning nightclubs and by association possibly theatres will be in place by the end of September imposing more stringent conditions of entry to all patrons.

Patrons we are told will now need to provide proof of COVID vaccination (both jabs) a current negative test result or proof of immunity. These would be compulsory to gain access to the theatre. Questions are already being asked about refunds for non-vaccinated people who have already booked tickets but may now not be able to gain entry. This is an issue we are trying to get answers to.

At the time of writing, some theatres in the West End have already decided to implement these entry conditions.

AMBASSADOR THEATRE GROUP have announced that upon arrival at the theatre, all members of your party over the age of 18 must demonstrate their COVID status in the form of :

• Full vaccination (first and second dose), and with the second dose administered at least 14 days before your visit, demonstrated via your NHS COVID Pass on the NHS App;

• A negative lateral flow test taken within 48 hours of your visit (for those aged 11 and over), demonstrated via your NHS COVID Pass on the NHS App;

• If resident in England, proof of having had and recovered from COVID-19 in the last 180 days (positive PCR test within last 180 days, and having completed isolation period, demonstrated via your NHS Covid pass on the NHS app).

Attendees under the age of 18 must provide verbal confirmation that they have not tested positive nor are currently suffering from symptoms of Covid-19 by their parent, guardian or from the individual themselves if they are aged 16 or 17 years.

These measures were first outlined in social media postings for Come From Away at the Phoenix Theatre, but are now expected to be rolled out to all ATG venues. More information can be found here.

DELFONT MACKINTOSH THEATRES website has the following information:-

From 21 July, as capacity restrictions are lifted, we will begin a trial at performances of Les Misérables - The Staged Concert asking all audience members to bring with them proof of double-vaccination, a recent negative lateral flow test or natural immunity.

Simple ways to demonstrate proof include the NHS COVID Pass, NHS COVID-19 test notification, or an internationally recognised equivalent. You can find out more by clicking here.

Delfont Mackintosh Theatres include Gielgud Theatre, Noel Coward Theatre, Novello Theatre, Prince Edward Theatre, Prince Of Wales Theatre, Sondheim Theatre, Victoria Palace Theatre and Wyndham's Theatre.

LW THEATRES are now requiring all audience members show a recent negative lateral flow test result and proof of vaccination (both jobs) to gain admittance to the theatre. More information can be found here.

LW Theatres include Adelphi Theatre, Cambridge Theatre, Gillian Lynne Theatre, Her Majesty's Theatre, London Palladium, and the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Nimax Theatres (include Vaudeville Theatre, Duchess Theatre, Apollo Theatre, Lyric Theatre, Palace Theatre, Garrick Theatre, have not specified terms of entry at this time. Theatre Royal Haymarket have not specified terms of entry at this time. The Aldwych Theatre and the Dominion Theatre have also not specified terms of entry.

We will keep this page updated as more current information comes to hand.