Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage says theatres could reopen 'very shortly'
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Culture minister Caroline Dinenage says a few pilot schemes will be put in place for theatre reopenings, before the scheme is rolled out across the country.
The news comes amid the announcement that outdoor performances will be given the go-ahead moving forward – so long as social distancing rules are enforced.
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Hide AdSpeaking to Sky News, Ms Dinenage said: ‘We very shortly want to be able to announce theatres indoors but with social distancing and we’re working on a few pilots which we announced yesterday which will hopefully enable us to do that.
‘Then obviously the silver bullet for the theatres will be being able to open without any form of social distancing but we just need to wait until the scientific guidance assures us that that is safe.’
The government has also announced a £1.57bn bailout of the culture industry, supporting theatres, live music venues and more on the road to reopening.
But the Gosport MP has called for a methodical approach, balancing the risk of reopening with the impact on the economy.
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Hide AdOn the government’s bailout, she said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted we’ve secured this fantastic support package, which is a world-leading investment in heritage and the arts and our biggest ever one-off in investment in UK culture.
‘This will hopefully be a lifeline for many local venues including The Kings Theatre and Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth, and the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton.’
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