Theatres in Greater Manchester call for clarity in roadmap out of lockdown

The PM is set to make an announcement tomorrow

Author: Ellie LinfordPublished 21st Feb 2021

Theatres in Greater Manchester are calling for precise action from the Prime Minister in his roadmap out of lockdown .

Mr Johnson is due to set out his plans tomorrow, as venues have had their doors closed for most of the last year.

One idea to get them open again is for rapid testing for audiences - which could get results in under half an hour.

Darren Stannage from NK Theatre Arts in Stockport says whatever happens, there needs to be a clear plan.

He tells us: "For small venues like us, we just cover our costs when we do our shows and events.

"Is it going to be a strict capacity situation? Is that going to really push up the costs for everyone?

"We just need to know. We don't want it to be anything vague. Even if it takes time and it's not going to be this summer. If it's going to be Autumn, or if we're going to aim for Christmas time...

"Whatever that is, I think people will work with that but what tools they've got to give us to get the theatres open again, they've got to be deliverable and they've got to be realistic.

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