After months of being closed due to coronavirus restrictions, finally we will see London theatres reopening in October! The National Theatre, Vaudeville Theatre, Palace Theatre, Lyric Theatre, Garrick Theatre, Duchess Theatre and Apollo Theatre are all set to welcome back audiences in October and November. London Bridge Theatre is actually already open, showing a series of monologues from Ralph Fiennes in David Hare's COVID monologue Beat The Devil to Nine Lives by Zodwa Nyoni and Quarter Life Crisis by Yolanda Mercy.
The London theatre industry has been severely impacted by the London lockdown with many London theatres on the brink of financial ruin. Thankfully, London theatres reopening in October will give us all a chance to support this much-loved industry and keep the arts alive in West end theatres.
New London theatre productions will be coming in October alongside previously running shows. The following London West End shows reopen soon:
- From 21 October: Roy Williams and Clint Dyer's Death of England sequel Delroy starring Giles Terera at National Theatre
- From 22 October: This Is Going To Hurt, with Adam Kay at Apollo Theatre
- From 12 November: Everybody's Talking About Jamie at Apollo Theatre
- From 14 November: Six the Musical at Lyric Theatre
- From 16 November: Jimmy Carr at Palace Theatre
- From 19 November: The Play That Goes Wrong at Duchess Theatre
- TBA December: Dick Whittington, a pantomime created by Jude Christian and Cariad Lloyd at National Theatre
If you are still worried about going to the theatre, you need not be; many new safety measures will be in place to protect audiences and performers from COVID-19 risks. Strict social distancing will reduce audience capacity to about 30% as two seats will be left empty between different households. While this may not be good for the London theatres’ bank balances, it will mean you get a more personalised performance and you will have plenty of space to stretch your legs! However, it also means ticket sales will be limited so make sure you book your place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment when London theatres reopen in October.
In addition to socially distanced seating, one-way systems will be in place with socially distancing queueing and appropriate household separation guaranteed. London theatre staff will be fully trained to observe social distancing as well as other safety measures. All the London theatres will be deep cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectant between each show and face masks, hand sanitiser and temperature checks will all give you peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying the performances.
Our Mercure London Hyde Park Hotel in Paddington is perfect for visiting London theatres reopening in the West End. Please have a look at our excellent value Hyde Park hotel special offers to accompany your London theatre visit.
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