Boris Johnson’s message to stay away from theaters has been criticized as a “crippling blow” to the creative industry because the measures were advisory rather than an outright ban.
By not enforcing a shutdown , producers say they will not be able to claim insurance and shows will go bankrupt.
Theaters in the West End and around the UK are closing their doors as part of stringent new social distancing measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which also includes pubs, restaurants and clubs.
But Caroline Norbury, chief executive of the Creative Industries Federation and Creative England, criticized the prime minister’s remarks .
She said: “As the social distancing measures announced are only advisory, rather than an outright ban, we are deeply concerned that creative organizations and cultural spaces will find they are unable to claim compensation for the huge losses they will experience as a result of COVID –
.
“Public safety remains the top priority for everyone in the creative sector.
“However, these measures have the potential to devastate the UK’s theaters, museums, cinemas, venues and other cultural spaces reliant on audiences, visitors and participation, as well as the huge array of creators and freelancers who work within these industries . “
She added: “For the sake of our £ 138. 7bn creative industries, it is vital that government puts in place support to ensure that our world-leading creative sector is able to survive COVID – . ”
Over 27 million people visited London’s theaters last year and not since the plague in the th century have they been completely closed.
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On Monday night, the West End was virtually deserted.
Less than an hour before performances were Due to start, doors were shut.
Staff – some wearing gloves – handed out notices and told audiences they would be closed for the foreseeable future.
There was shock and disbelief among many people that this was happening and it seemed to be a turning point that normal life was going to change.
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