The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on a number of professional industries, disrupting businesses and causing an influx in unemployment. Most recently, from the 20th of March, London’s West End theatres were forces to shut their doors until further notice. This was a decision made on the 16th of March by Julian Bird, CEO of the Society of London Theatre, following Boris Johnson’s statement asking people to avoid public buildings including theatres. 

This decision will have a ‘severe impact’ on the industry, Julian Bird admits, impacting 290,000 individuals working in the industry. It is unsure when the industry will fully recover from this huge financial impact, and it is probable that many smaller theatres and businesses may not reopen when the ban is lifted. Bird urged theatregoers to consider donating the cost of their cancelled tickets to theatres in order to keep the industry afloat.  The SOLT issued a statement saying: 

‘The magic of theatre lies in its live performances and it is not something that can be experienced in the same way remotely. Its ability to lift people and entertain people even in times of difficulty is unparalleled and so we are extremely grateful to all of our audiences, who have continued to support us for as long as they can. We can't wait to welcome our audiences back into the UK's theatres as soon as possible.’

Despite this unfortunate news, performers and theatre companies have united to ensure that London’s shared passion of the arts does not disappear. Online, West End performers such as Jodie Steele are conducting online master classes for her fans, whilst the National theatre amongst other London theatres have made filmed versions of their live productions available for the public to watch online. On the more musical side, The Berlin Philharmonic is offering its archive of recorded classical concerts for free on its digital concert hall after announcing its closure. Families all over the country are showing their appreciation for the arts in these difficult times, in particular, the Marsh family from Kent, who wowed the public with their playful parody of ‘One Day More’ from West End classis Les Miserables. So overall, it is clear to say that the British public have rushed to the aid of the theatre industry in its hour of need, doing anything possible to keep passions for the arts alive. After all, to quote P.T Barnum, ‘the show must go on’.

By Emily Phillips – Lady Eleanor Holles 

Watch the Marsh family’s rendition of ‘One day more’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nf4XxnL4lPk

Find out what you can do to help: https://www.londontheatredirect.com/news/how-can-i-support-west-end-and-uk-theatres-during-the-covid-19-crisis

Watch the Berlin Philharmonic concerts: https://www.digitalconcerthall.com/en/home

Find hundreds of shows available to watch online: https://www.dramaonlinelibrary.com