COVID safety scheme launched for UK theatres

The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre have launched a new COVID-19 safety code of conduct. Theatres with See It Safely certification will follow a strict set of guidelines to ensure audiences can watch performances with minimal risk.

The See It Safely toolkit includes recommended practice around signage, seating arrangements and website copy. The scheme is based on UK Government guidelines, set out in its COVID-19 Risk Assessment protocols.

Theatres that follow the scheme can display a See It Safely mark at their venue and online. The toolkit has been backed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, and more than 140 theatres have already signed up.

SOLT and UK Theatre chief executive Julian Bird commented: “We have a number of challenges to meet before the majority of our theatres can open but we are confident that from a safety perspective audiences and our workforce can be reassured that every measure is being addressed and we look forward to rolling out the scheme and welcoming our audiences back.

“It is very encouraging that there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 in any of our venues that have opened so far. We hope that the See It Safely mark gives audiences the peace of mind to return to the live theatre that they love.”

So far just a few UK theatres have reopened, including The London Palladium, Regent’s Park Open Air, Story House Theatre and Troubadour Theatre.

solt.co.uk