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Post by HereForTheatre on Jun 19, 2020 13:17:37 GMT
Regarding public transport, it's not just the worry as to whether you should be using it yet. With the reduced capacity, trains are simply running through stations when they are deemed to be full. This will make it very difficult to plan journeys, as you'll have no idea what time train you'll actually be able to catch. For example, one could go past as full, and then have to wait an hour for the next- not really viable for getting in to cities to see theatre. Erm, what about the people that need to get off?
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Post by kathryn on Jun 19, 2020 13:17:42 GMT
Not just that it's safe to travel but that we're allowed to make non-essential journeys by public transport. I suppose people must be doing it now that eg Oxford Street is back open, but I'm still under the impression that we should only be using the tube/busses to get to work if we have no other way of doing so, and not for any other reason. Article in WhatsOnStage about ALW doing something at the Palladium in July and whilst I would definitely want to go and can walk there from work, I wouldn't feel I had a way to get there at the weekend. You are allowed to use public transport not just for essential journeys - people are using trains to get to London all the time now to go shopping or to walk around or to go to the parks etc. Personally public transport wouldn’t bother me as I don’t think you can live your life In fear forever The guidance on public transport is here: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengersIt has no been communicated very well.
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Post by mindy0monster on Jun 19, 2020 13:38:55 GMT
Regarding public transport, it's not just the worry as to whether you should be using it yet. With the reduced capacity, trains are simply running through stations when they are deemed to be full. This will make it very difficult to plan journeys, as you'll have no idea what time train you'll actually be able to catch. For example, one could go past as full, and then have to wait an hour for the next- not really viable for getting in to cities to see theatre. Erm, what about the people that need to get off?Valid point! I guess maybe they're letting people off, but controlling the number that can access the platform to board? However, think my point still stands about making harder to judge the timings of a journey. This is putting me off the thought of using public transport, far more than the Covid risks.
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Post by theatreian on Jun 19, 2020 13:48:04 GMT
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Post by Jon on Jun 19, 2020 14:42:41 GMT
Discussion about theatre from Good Morning Britain:
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Post by talkingheads on Jun 19, 2020 15:41:39 GMT
Discussion about theatre from Good Morning Britain: Why is theatre being singled out as a supposed burden to the taxpayer?
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Post by stagebyte on Jun 20, 2020 0:12:02 GMT
Every one talking about temperature checking but no one asking about the ‘anti viral chemical fogging’ With what chemical? 😳 Is there really such a thing and if so why isn’t it being used on public transport and in schools?
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Post by stagemanager on Jun 20, 2020 0:18:46 GMT
In case anyone is unaware here are the full set of procedures that are used in South Korea that ALW is proposing for use at the Palladium:
Measures adopted in theatres in South Korea The theatre has a capacity of 1,600 and with staff this rises to just under 1800 people. The capacity of the theatre has not been reduced.
The below measures have been adopted at the theatre in which our production is playing. These measures were drawn up in collaboration with the Korean Center of Disease Control (KCDC), the theatre and the Producers and it is a condition of our operating that they are adhered to. These measures have been in place since we started work in the theatre in early March. As Covid-19 is an evolving situation, the KCDC has retained the right to make changes to protocol based on the most up-to-date information.
(i) Testing & Tracing: First and foremost South Korea’s government and the KCDC has. made testing widely available (via their universal healthcare system) and returns results to people’s mobile phones within 24 hours of testing. Authorities then support the testing by undertaking contact tracing and employ technology to help do so. People who have tested positive are asked to recall their recent movements, aided by GPS tracking and credit card transactions. In real time, the KCDC issues alerts to every mobile phone in the country about where infected persons have been. The KCDC alerts appear on people’s phones in form of notifications and do not require people to open an app. The alerts do not reveal the individual’s identity.
(ii) Survey of audience: This publicly available information allows businesses like theatres to engage with their patrons by setting up internal checks and systems. The theatre in Seoul has created an app (based on the KCDC guidelines), which assesses whether a patron may pose a risk to others in the theatre. A patron cannot enter the venue until they’ve filled out the theatre’s survey made available on the app. If someone hasn’t got access to the app to fill out the survey, the venue asks the patrons to fill out the survey manually upon arrival, which is assessed before they enter the venue. The app asks patrons to confirm whether they have visited an area with a confirmed case in the last fourteen days. If they have, the patron must advise if they’ve been tested. The app evaluates whether the patron is at high risk of being a suspected case, if the answer is yes then they’re not permitted to attend the performance until they’re cleared. The results of the survey have to be presented with your ticket before entering the theatre.
(iii) Hygiene: Businesses in South Korea including theatres and public venues have implemented protocols to ensure hygiene - the most effective tool against the spread of the virus is promoted: a. Non-touch sanitizer mist machines are located at the front of the theatre, each and every patron must sanitize their hands upon entry; b. The venue has installed hand sanitizer dispensers around the foyer and bottles of hand sanitizer are available at key counters such as the box office and the merchandise kiosk; c. Further to the above ushers, when checking tickets, provide every patron with hand sanitizer before entering the auditorium; and d. Paper towel is supplied in the restrooms to promote thorough hand drying.
(iv) Temperature scanning: Venue staff have been briefed on temperature scanning. Two forms of body temperature checks are in place at the venue: a. Thermal cameras are used as people enter the venue; b. Before entry into the auditorium ushers, when checking tickets, also check every patron’s temperature with a no-contact thermometer used on the inside of the patron’s wrist; and c. In the event that someone’s temperature is above 37.5 degrees Celsius, they are not allowed into the venue.
(v) Masks: It is venue protocol that every patron and staff member must wear a mask. In the event that someone arrives at the venue without a mask, they are provided with a mask to wear. Much like ushers monitor audience members’ phone use during the show, there is protocol in place to also monitor that people do not remove their masks during the show. The KCDC promotes the use of masks and purports the efficacy of masks in minimising risk of spread by offering a barrier between people.
(vi) Gloves: All front of house staff must wear gloves.
Backstage Protocol: The Company and the venue staff are briefed regularly and as required on Covid-19 measures. Briefings reiterate the principles of combating the spread and promote people to exercise common sense. The below offers additional and more specific measures implemented backstage.
(i) Self-reporting: All backstage staff must report to their team leader whether they have travelled to an area with a reported Covid-19 case since last visiting the theatre. A decision as to whether someone should refrain from attending work is made based on the KCDC guidelines issued (these available via the public health alerts and on their website);
(ii) Hand sanitizer: Hand sanitizer is available every five to ten steps in common spaces and in every dressing room. The only exception to this rule is the fire stairs;
(iii) Temperature scanning: All backstage staff must have their temperature checked upon entry and re-entry to the building (temperature check upon re-entry is applicable to smokers);
(iv) Masks: All backstage staff including crew must wear a mask except performers during the performance. Masks are supplied by the Producer for all backstage staff;
(v) Gloves: Any and all crew required to handle props must wear gloves while doing so. Gloves are supplied by the Producer. Props must be sanitized before and after the show;
(vi) Wipes: Every dressing room and work room is supplied with surface cleaning wipes and company members have been briefed to use wipes to clean their spaces regularly. The guide is to wipe down before the show, during interval and after the show;
(vii) Minimise unnecessary contact: People are asked not to touch tools and equipment they are not required to touch e.g. backstage tool kits or props;
(viii) Sharing of personal items is banned: i.e. do not share water bottles, food, personal make up brushes, personal make-up, lip balm etc.;
(ix) Non-essential contact is discouraged, for example, no handshakes, kisses or hugs togreet others in the company;
(x) No visitors permitted backstage;
(xi) No signings at stage door after the show. An announcement is made at the beginning and end of the show to audience members advising that due to Covid-19 autograph signings are prohibited as advised by the KCDC. Venue staff help police this rule after the show by asking any fans who may arrive at stage door to disperse;
(xii) Alcoholic wipes are provided to wipe down the water cooler tap after people have filled up their water bottles;
(xiii) Sanitizer fogger: Company Management have been provided with a sanitizer fogger (similar to a leaf blower) to use in high traffic backstage areas before the show, during interval and after the show; and
(xiv) Self-reporting symptoms: Anyone who is not feeling well for any reason whatsoever must call in sick to work. Unless the reason for feeling unwell is a pre-existing condition, the person is sent for testing.
Venue Cleaning & Venue Specific Measures: (i) There must be a two-metre gap between the orchestra pit and the first row of audience. (ii) The venue cleans the seats with a UV light after every performance. (iii) The venue is cleaned daily. (iv) The venue receives a medical grade clean once a week.
The premise of the guidelines is simple yet effective. Adapt operating protocols to promote hygiene and vigilance to minimise risk of spreading Covid-19.
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Post by stagemanager on Jun 20, 2020 0:50:08 GMT
Every one talking about temperature checking but no one asking about the ‘anti viral chemical fogging’ With what chemical? 😳 Is there really such a thing and if so why isn’t it being used on public transport and in schools? I am not sure exactly what chemical they are proposing but I would imagine it is one similar to this www.bgclean.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/v2-antiviral-disinfectant.pdf Similar chemicals are already in use on public transport to disinfect the trains and buses.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2020 8:15:07 GMT
Thanks stagemanager that's really interesting. Well, all power to ALW's elbow - when he's ready to sell tickets, I'll definitely be in the queue to be a guinea pig audience member. Good on him for trying something instead of waiting for the govt to show an interest.
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Post by NeilVHughes on Jun 20, 2020 8:36:49 GMT
I wonder how they will sell the tickets and what constraints there may be.
Would you have to be under 50, no underlying conditions... or will they be initially offered to those in the business such as stage school students and recent graduates.
I would also consider being one of the early guinea pigs and wonder how many of us there are and who are also willing to I assume pay for the privilege.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2020 8:56:51 GMT
I don’t think you can live your life In fear forever With you in spirit and it's commonly used phrasing, but people practicing sound personal risk management choices is not necessarily synonymous with living their life in fear. Not suggesting you're making that specific assertion, but some who use the phrase most definitely are: "If you aren't willing to do XX, you're just living your life in fear." For all of history people have weighed the costs and benefits of various options. We now just have another set of risks and variables to factor into our decision-making about which rewards are worthy.
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Post by Cardinal Pirelli on Jun 20, 2020 10:30:22 GMT
I don’t think you can live your life In fear forever With you in spirit and it's commonly used phrasing, but people practicing sound personal risk management choices is not necessarily synonymous with living their life in fear. Not suggesting you're making that specific assertion, but some who use the phrase most definitely are: "If you aren't willing to do XX, you're just living your life in fear." For all of history people have weighed the costs and benefits of various options. We now just have another set of risks and variables to factor into our decision-making about which rewards are worthy. It’s cold hearted logic. Neil, above, mentioned ‘under fifty, no underlying conditions’ and, well, I’m neither. I know that to take the risk would be foolhardy, just as me not playing Russian Roulette with a loaded gun wouldn’t be ‘living my life in e fear’. There are now some proper risk scoring systems being used for work assessments, for example. Wales looks to be ahead of the game on that one and I come out as ‘high risk’, so if my job will have to make accommodations I’m not going to be putting myself intentionally at greater risk elsewhere. It’s just logical, not letting your heart rule your head.
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Post by Dawnstar on Jun 20, 2020 12:39:35 GMT
In case anyone is unaware here are the full set of procedures that are used in South Korea that ALW is proposing for use at the Palladium: Measures adopted in theatres in South Korea The theatre has a capacity of 1,600 and with staff this rises to just under 1800 people. The capacity of the theatre has not been reduced. The below measures have been adopted at the theatre in which our production is playing. These measures were drawn up in collaboration with the Korean Center of Disease Control (KCDC), the theatre and the Producers and it is a condition of our operating that they are adhered to. These measures have been in place since we started work in the theatre in early March. As Covid-19 is an evolving situation, the KCDC has retained the right to make changes to protocol based on the most up-to-date information. (i) Testing & Tracing: First and foremost South Korea’s government and the KCDC has. made testing widely available (via their universal healthcare system) and returns results to people’s mobile phones within 24 hours of testing. Authorities then support the testing by undertaking contact tracing and employ technology to help do so. People who have tested positive are asked to recall their recent movements, aided by GPS tracking and credit card transactions. In real time, the KCDC issues alerts to every mobile phone in the country about where infected persons have been. The KCDC alerts appear on people’s phones in form of notifications and do not require people to open an app. The alerts do not reveal the individual’s identity.
That's the UK screwed on the very first measure then! It's all very well ALW saying he wants to implement the same measures here as in South Korea but we don't have anywhere remotely near the same effectiveness in managing coronavirus in general as South Korea does.
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Post by baguette on Jun 20, 2020 12:51:24 GMT
I wonder how they will sell the tickets and what constraints there may be. Would you have to be under 50, no underlying conditions... or will they be initially offered to those in the business such as stage school students and recent graduates. I would also consider being one of the early guinea pigs and wonder how many of us there are and who are also willing to I assume pay for the privilege. Last night's big 'cultural restart' Paris concert for the national Fete de la Musique at the Accor Arena had 2,000 seated and wearing masks throughout. Anyone could apply for a ticket - so it was personal choice to take the risk at a big event. The Minister for Culture Franck Riester was there - he kept his mask on all night. Looking at the spacing (it was televised), it looked like two empty seats either side of a booking family but no empty rows. I saw all ages and plenty of aged 50+ people there for what was basically a selection of middle-aged French pop stars which a few new faces sprinkled in.
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Post by TallPaul on Jun 20, 2020 13:06:44 GMT
Please forgive my ignorance, baguette, about the French pop scene, but was it just solo performers, or were groups and bands also performing?
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jun 20, 2020 13:22:34 GMT
My best friend who lives in Paris travelled to Dusseldorf yesterday by train. Masks were required on the train and the conductor was checking. The train was full, very few spare seats and he was sat shoulder to shoulder with a bloke for the duration, about 3 hours. When he changed for a connection there was no requirement to wear a mask on the crowded platform, only when he got in the next train.
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Post by baguette on Jun 20, 2020 13:38:44 GMT
Please forgive my ignorance, baguette , about the French pop scene, but was it just solo performers, or were groups and bands also performing? Soloists and groups, plus some acts even had backing dancers. You could see they were trying to keep to 1m social distancing but they kept wandering towards each other - at which point the social-distancing Twitter police would start sounding off! Here's 30 seconds of the tribute to Jonny Hallyday (gives you the flavour of the night!) - there are cut aways to the socially-distanced audience. ETA The big surprise to me was how close the singers are to each other....
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Post by TallPaul on Jun 20, 2020 13:58:31 GMT
Many thanks. baguette. V. interesting. Yes, they may have been just about a metre apart, but the older man and the younger woman didn't seem the slightest bit concerned about sharing droplets!
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Post by lynette on Jun 20, 2020 16:47:43 GMT
Just reading the amusing advice to Lloyd Webber re musicals: don’t sing. Love it. Talk about clueless. But other stuff in the piece mentions covering door handles. No, missing the point. Remove door handles. Either have automatic doors everywhere or people to open them for you. Cover the doors with something that can be removed every day. Put removable covers on stair rails - cling film- yes. And this goes for all venues not just theatres of course. RIP up the carpet and have easily washable flooring with material that absorbs sound. And if I may introduce my favourite topic, automatic flush on loos. And those constant water washing fountains, no taps. I’m afraid they have to spend the cash to get the cash. Auto loos, more attendants cleaning the loos down all the time. More loos, maybe those portocabins outside to allow for more people in the older theatres. No bars, sorry, but attendants can give out drinks and eats in packages paid for with prepaid vouchers. All common sense. We can’t expect to go back to what it was like before. I’m bemused that the impresarios haven’t already put this kind of thing into action and are not showing the public what the news arrangements are. A video tour of the self flushing loo, the no tap basin and the uniformed attendant would go a long way in building confidence. And dare I say it, fewer seats in the auditoria, imaginatively arranged so you are not a million miles from the next person, grouped seating perhaps and discounts for group bookings so you can go with a bunch of pals of family as people like to do for the big shows. Smaller venues could experiment with cabaret style seating like I think some of the cinemas have been doing, with small tables and food and armchairs. What the actors do I can’t say but if a socially distanced Romeo and Juliet is not an option, then let’s have testing and health checks available every week. Mind you I did once see a production of Tristan and Isolde where the two lovers didn’t get anywhere near each other. It was terrible of course but given the talents of our directors ....
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jun 20, 2020 17:42:12 GMT
None of this stuff is sustainable. Sorry, it just isn’t. This virus might result in some long term changes to how we interact with eachother in public spaces, for example water fountains as lynette says. but ultimately things WILL get back to normal because it has to. It is not sustainable to temp check everyone entering a venue. It is not sustainable to disinfect toilets after every use. It is not sustainable to SD in theatres. What will and must happen is that the infection rate comes down to the point where most people can start behaving normally. The people in high risk groups will have to be managed appropriately, and will have to manage their own risk of exposure. That might mean not going to the theatre. BOOM! Sorry but It is not the theatre’s responsibility to put loads of measures in place to accommodate the few. And I say that as someone in a high risk group. Life isn’t fair. Get used to it. But don’t stop the recovery of our economy and the theatre industry because some of us are scared of catching a virus. That is nonsensical.
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Post by xanady on Jun 20, 2020 18:14:17 GMT
After a conversation I was part of this morning,I am now very worried that the Panto season won’t happen this year.This may well sound a death knell for many regional theatres. Sad but true!
ALW and others with ideas to re-open theatres mean well,but some ideas could turn what is meant to be a pleasurable experience into a torturous,intimidating and stressful trial.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jun 20, 2020 18:27:51 GMT
Which is ridiculous because 90% of the people going to Panto are not high risk. This really is ridiculous and as much as I fear getting the virus I can see how ridiculous it is.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2020 18:42:52 GMT
Which is ridiculous because 90% of the people going to Panto are not high risk. This really is ridiculous and as much as I fear getting the virus I can see how ridiculous it is. I really hope that as deaths continue to fall (either through fewer infections or better treatments or both), people go to shops, pubs, restaurants and realise the sky doesn't fall, and we all inch back to normality, the world will look quite different by the end of July than it does now and opening theatres will look like a no brainer. I was in Winchester today - apart from the fact that people had to sit outside with takeaway drinks and food, it looked pretty normal. We probably do need to move cautiously, but at least we are moving.
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Post by lynette on Jun 20, 2020 18:45:25 GMT
Just reading the amusing advice to Lloyd Webber re musicals: don’t sing. Love it. Talk about clueless. But other stuff in the piece mentions covering door handles. No, missing the point. Remove door handles. Either have automatic doors everywhere or people to open them for you. Cover the doors with something that can be removed every day. Put removable covers on stair rails - cling film- yes. And this goes for all venues not just theatres of course. RIP up the carpet and have easily washable flooring with material that absorbs sound. And if I may introduce my favourite topic, automatic flush on loos. And those constant water washing fountains, no taps. I’m afraid they have to spend the cash to get the cash. Auto loos, more attendants cleaning the loos down all the time. More loos, maybe those portocabins outside to allow for more people in the older theatres. No bars, sorry, but attendants can give out drinks and eats in packages paid for with prepaid vouchers. All common sense. We can’t expect to go back to what it was like before. I’m bemused that the impresarios haven’t already put this kind of thing into action and are not showing the public what the news arrangements are. A video tour of the self flushing loo, the no tap basin and the uniformed attendant would go a long way in building confidence. And dare I say it, fewer seats in the auditoria, imaginatively arranged so you are not a million miles from the next person, grouped seating perhaps and discounts for group bookings so you can go with a bunch of pals of family as people like to do for the big shows. Smaller venues could experiment with cabaret style seating like I think some of the cinemas have been doing, with small tables and food and armchairs. What the actors do I can’t say but if a socially distanced Romeo and Juliet is not an option, then let’s have testing and health checks available every week. Mind you I did once see a production of Tristan and Isolde where the two lovers didn’t get anywhere near each other. It was terrible of course but given the talents of our directors .... Yes, BB I am actually not seeing huge changes as being for ever but small changes and I think the layout of the audience is a small one for now whereas investment in facilities and personnel is more long term, could make theatre more attractive in the short term. We hope that this virus will join the rest and be manageable, like ‘ordinary’ flu is (except for some more vulnerable people) with vaccine, better society hygiene and knowledge etc etc. I’m thinking how the wealthy part of the industry could actually spend and become very much more attractive right now. I don't think taking temperature is viable or desirable. And to be honest I am disappointed by the amount and the choice of theatre that is being shown on the telly box. It isn’t likely to increase the future audiences. But this is another point for another thread perhaps.
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Post by xanady on Jun 20, 2020 19:19:37 GMT
According to BroadwayWorld,Kinky Boots playing from August-November 2020 in South Korea so some good news internationally.
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Post by talkingheads on Jun 20, 2020 19:57:24 GMT
Which is ridiculous because 90% of the people going to Panto are not high risk. This really is ridiculous and as much as I fear getting the virus I can see how ridiculous it is. But the amount of kids running round, noise, chatter, not to mention the call abd response nature of panto all don't lend themselves to social distancing or wearing masks.
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Post by Mark on Jun 20, 2020 20:34:23 GMT
Which is ridiculous because 90% of the people going to Panto are not high risk. This really is ridiculous and as much as I fear getting the virus I can see how ridiculous it is. But the amount of kids running round, noise, chatter, not to mention the call abd response nature of panto all don't lend themselves to social distancing or wearing masks. The suggestion that social distancing will still be needed in December is ridiculous to me. We need to get back to normal life.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2020 20:41:45 GMT
But the amount of kids running round, noise, chatter, not to mention the call abd response nature of panto all don't lend themselves to social distancing or wearing masks. The suggestion that social distancing will still be needed in December is ridiculous to me. We need to get back to normal life. Also - increasing evidence that it's far less relevant for children.
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Post by poster J on Jun 20, 2020 20:55:24 GMT
Which is ridiculous because 90% of the people going to Panto are not high risk. This really is ridiculous and as much as I fear getting the virus I can see how ridiculous it is. But the amount of kids running round, noise, chatter, not to mention the call abd response nature of panto all don't lend themselves to social distancing or wearing masks. Children are low risk and there is nothing to stop adults wearing masks. Funnily enough you can still speak and be heard clearly with a mask on!
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