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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2021 8:14:51 GMT
*at the earliest of course.
So I don't know if anyone saw the latest Boris briefing last night. 12th April - tick. 17th May - seemed likely. 21st June - all starting to sound a bit more nebulous and unsure I thought.
Covid status certification (or passports to the masses) won't be needed for stage 2 or 3. But he wouldn't comment stage 4. So clearly being strongly considered.
Meanwhile many theatres selling tickets at full capacity for the Summer onwards with no mention of status certification.
What do people think?
- will we really see full theatres from 21st June?
- will there be yet another hideous round of cancellations and re-scheduling? (My God, I hope not)
- if passports are introduced will the theatre industry navigate yet another hurdle and still open on the same dates?
- would you be happy proving covid status (vaccine/antibody/test)?
So many questions!
Personally if it got me into a theatre I'd happily do anything currently!
The vaccination programme giving us the freedoms that were promised still feels a long way off though.
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Post by Someone in a tree on Apr 6, 2021 8:35:25 GMT
Mentally I'm ready for things to get back to normal but I worry we are doing it too quickly and could we become another Chile.
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Post by dontdreamit on Apr 6, 2021 8:46:18 GMT
I’d be happy doing a Covid passport if it meant I could get back to seeing theatre again. However I am also very aware that I’m a couple of weeks off having my second vaccination, whilst most people my age haven’t had their first as yet, which means I come at it from a very different perspective. My partner isn’t sure yet about coming back to theatre as they’ve not had any vaccinations at all.
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Post by dontdreamit on Apr 6, 2021 8:48:36 GMT
As for theatres being full, I think it will be slow to start off, especially for the long runners. Things like Joseph this summer may be different as it’s for a short run and quite sold well before Covid put it back a year.
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Post by talkingheads on Apr 6, 2021 8:49:19 GMT
Mentally I am nowhere near ready for things to get back to normal and, given that as a 26 year old I might not be vaccinated until July, June 21st seems like a ludicrous estimate but I appreciate that many people are ready to go back to normal. I have been inside my house only leaving for food for over a year, a year and a half by the time June comes around. It will take a certain amount of indoctrination into social situations.
As for theatres, I cannot imagine being squeezed into the middle of a packed auditorium. Given the usual complaints on here, can you imagine how tense it will be when somebody coughs or sneezes?
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Post by NeilVHughes on Apr 6, 2021 9:19:45 GMT
Nothing I have heard has changed my position of September before the majority open to full capacity.
There may be some trailblazers over the summer but believe they will be the minority and will be used to gauge the demand, Globe likely to be the first as is unique in being an indoor/outdoor Theatre.
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Post by david on Apr 6, 2021 10:15:16 GMT
Hopefully we'll see the roadmap continue in a positive trajectory towards the 21st June opening date. Whilst I have planned for a weekend of WE theatre in May, I'm certainly holding off from having a booking frenzy of stuff at the moment until at least the next stage of the roadmap is reached in May so I'm not going through the refund/reschedule cycle again.
Whilst I wouldn't have a problem with going back into a theatre again with a larger audience attendance, I'll be leaving it a few weeks after the 21st June to see how things unfold and where we are up to in the vaccination programme. Hopefully I'll have had at least my 1st jab if the target dates for the 40-50yrs old remain on track.
Watching the briefing yesterday, I do wonder about the use of the passport system or certification as the PM would describe it. Whilst I do accept it would create a 2-tier society with those who have and those who haven't yet been vaccinated, if it means that I am able to go and watch my local rugby team play and visit the cinema and theatre then I'll go along with it. What I would question is if any scheme is introduced how it is managed and implemented. For example, if I needed a negative result to watch my rugby team on say a Friday night, would that test result still be valid for visits to the cinema and theatre on the Saturday or Sunday or would further testing be required?
On the whole, however the coming weeks unfold, we are moving forward in getting things opened and that is a positive step and the light at the end of the tunnel is glowing just that little bit brighter.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2021 11:15:54 GMT
I think we are still on track for 21st June and honestly, I’m ready for it. I think mentally I’ll have some anxiety around mixing with strangers again (and I know this from just going to the supermarket) so going to the theatre will be interesting - the idea of huddling in a foyer or corridor to get in/out sounds so draconian now. This might make zero sense to other people, but I feel like I’d be more confident going to the larger theatres to begin with - one of these big barns with plenty of aisle seats and are so cavernous I won’t feel like we’re all just swapping air. I’ll be fully vaccinated by the 21st June and despite any reservations I have I will force myself to get back to normal. I’m generally against COVID passports but I do think where you’re expected to sit in a room with strangers for hours at a time. Yes I agree with all of this really. I'll also have some anxiety (don't like overfull theatres at the best of times) but am totally ready for it. Agree re the big barns. The Dominion with it's wide open foyer and huge open auditorium does feel safer than the Noel Coward for example. And there's certainly no problem with air flow in there - I always used to be freezing watching Bat! I am also generally against passports but more than happy for them where, as you say, you are inches away from multiple strangers for 2-3 hours. |
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Post by christya on Apr 6, 2021 11:57:02 GMT
I'm quite happy to go into a full theatre in June, actually have tickets for a couple of things that week, but that's with the confidence that I'll have had my second vaccine dose by then. I do think vaccine passports would be a good idea, providing that two things are put in place - the ability for those who would get vaccinated, but haven't been offered theirs yet, to get a free, quick test for admission, and some kind of alternative for those who genuinely cannot be vaccinated. That might also be testing. I suppose antivaxxers could in theory test in, but frankly as they're not willing to get vaccinated to help us get out of this, I don't give a damn if they're left out in the cold.
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Post by ThereWillBeSun on Apr 6, 2021 12:14:30 GMT
We've played our part. (well not everyone BUT generally speaking) If people have been vaccinated why should they have to PROVE it and also it's discrimination towards younger people (i.e. me) who wouldn't have had the two vaccines by then. I like the idea chrisya has outlined - offer something for people which is FREE and quick. Not fair otherwise. ^^^^
Also, I'm far from a scientist but it's so flawed how the vaccine has to be topped up - wish it was just ONE shot and there you go. Would save all this hassle but AT LEAST THERE'S A VACCINE.
Personally I have no intention of setting foot inside a theatre until I DON'T have to wear a mask - I don't want to feel on edge.
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Post by marob on Apr 6, 2021 13:17:37 GMT
I only went to one show last summer, and that was socially distanced and outdoors. I couldn’t face going to the indoors Christmas show.
I can’t help thinking of my trip to London in March last year. Sitting in the Garrick, waiting for City of Angels to start, practically breathing down the neck of the person in front, while trying to cram myself into the incredibly cramped (even by West End standards) stalls seat. I’ve always felt a bit uncomfortable being hemmed in, but the idea of reopening without distancing feels genuinely bizarre.
We are getting there, but not just yet. I do think they need to focus on getting this country up and running again before even thinking about overseas travel.
I don’t understand the fuss about people proving they’ve been vaccinated. If people selfishly choose not to have the vaccine then I’m absolutely fine with them being pariahs.
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Post by jcs619 on Apr 6, 2021 13:23:15 GMT
I am in my mid 40s and have been fortunate enough to have had my first vaccine. I’m due for the 2nd Dose before June 19th and although I love and miss live theatre there is no way at all I’ll be going back whilst social distancing and mask wearing continues.
I fear it’ll be April next year before I go again.
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Post by isabel on Apr 6, 2021 14:39:51 GMT
I won’t be going inside a Theatre until I’ve had both of my vaccinations ( Not had the first one yet)
The thought of being crammed into a auditorium with several thousand people makes me feel physically sick !!
Surely these passports won’t work until all adults have been offered their vaccinations
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2021 15:18:08 GMT
I can’t help thinking of my trip to London in March last year. Sitting in the Garrick, waiting for City of Angels to start, practically breathing down the neck of the person in front, while trying to cram myself into the incredibly cramped (even by West End standards) stalls seat. I’ve always felt a bit uncomfortable being hemmed in, but the idea of reopening without distancing feels genuinely bizarre. Yeah, must admit, the cramped conditions in West End theatres are awful and I really dislike being hemmed in. I always go for an aisle seat so at least one side of me is free. Totally get that it's not sustainable, but I greatly enjoyed sitting in solitary splendour last summer in the socially distanced venues. Remember saying roughly this time last year that I hoped that pandemic might encourage theatre owners to just reduce capacity slightly to make auditoriums more comfortable and civilised. The theatres I go to in Germany are so much more spacious by comparison. I guess it all, as ever, comes down to money. Though if people no longer want to pay to be cramped, that will bring it's own financial limitations for producers. |
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Post by Phantom of London on Apr 6, 2021 15:54:29 GMT
My workplace is offering rapid Covid testing and I was surprised how easy this was and this could be a good way forward, linked to the NHS App (has to be useful for something) so the app could say whether you have had both vaccines or a negative vaccine test.
It is only right that civilised society that have chose to obey with wearing masks and having vaccine done over uncivilised society.
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Post by TallPaul on Apr 6, 2021 17:29:05 GMT
My last 'normal' theatres trips, both involving train journeys, were on 29 February and 7 March 2020, when CV was clearly already circulating in the community, even if it wasn't dominating every news bulletin.
I wasn't concerned then; I haven't been concerned since; I see no reason for me to become concerned about the future.
Perhaps because of the above, and even though I fully intend to have the jab(s) when it's my turn, I am incredibly doubtful about domestic vaccine passports...or certificates...or whatever fluffy euphemism the government finally settles on. As a matter of principle, I will probably find myself having to make a stand, even if that means taking an even longer break from theatre.
I have posted elsewhere that when people are separated into groups and pitted against each other, history shows that it never ends well.
If anyone now wants to block me, for being uncharacteristically controversial, so be it.
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Post by theglenbucklaird on Apr 6, 2021 17:57:47 GMT
My last 'normal' theatres trips, both involving train journeys, were on 29 February and 7 March 2020, when CV was clearly already circulating in the community, even if it wasn't dominating every news bulletin. I wasn't concerned then; I haven't been concerned since; I see no reason for me to become concerned about the future. Perhaps because of the above, and even though I fully intend to have the jab(s) when it's my turn, I am incredibly doubtful about domestic vaccine passports...or certificates...or whatever fluffy euphemism the government finally settles on. As a matter of principle, I will probably find myself having to make a stand, even if that means taking an even longer break from theatre. I have posted elsewhere that when people are separated into groups and pitted against each other, history shows that it never ends well. If anyone now wants to block me, for being uncharacteristically controversial, so be it. Blocked |
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Post by sph on Apr 6, 2021 18:36:13 GMT
I do hope if vaccine passports become necessary that there will be some way of making venues accessible for young people who haven't been vaccinated yet. It will be very unfair if, after losing a year of their lives, the government turn around and say "Things are opening up, but not for you!"
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2021 20:20:12 GMT
If passports have the option of proving either a vaccine or a negative test, then I haven't heard a single convincing reason not to have them. Anyone who refuses to have either of those things done properly doesn't deserve to be able to go to any public events as far as I'm concerned. And that won't discriminate against those who can't get the vaccine or haven't been offered it yet.
Presumably the naysayers aren't concerned about having to show ID to buy alcohol or fireworks, carry a driving licence or show a passport to travel abroad. This really isn't any different.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2021 20:22:15 GMT
Although the government told the oldest to shield and stay home, so I see no reason why the youngest adults couldn’t put up with it a lack of passport from June to October. The government also closed everything down and told the young to work from home. They are losing part of their lives that older people have already had, so no, younger people can't just put up with it until October. You appear to be forgetting all the sacrifices they have made to get older people to a point where vaccines are available. If the passport system is just on vaccines alone and introduced before everyone has been offered a jab there will be a revolt. |
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Post by sph on Apr 6, 2021 20:27:20 GMT
Although the government told the oldest to shield and stay home, so I see no reason why the youngest adults couldn’t put up with it a lack of passport from June to October. The government also closed everything down and told the young to work from home. They are losing part of their lives that older people have already had, so no, younger people can't just put up with it until October. You appear to be forgetting all the sacrifices they have made to get older people to a point where vaccines are available. If the passport system is just on vaccines alone and introduced before everyone has been offered a jab there will be a revolt. This. Exactly this Poster J. Young people have already "put up with" plenty in the last year for the sake of those who are older and more vulnerable. You tell him! |
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Post by lynette on Apr 6, 2021 22:21:33 GMT
‘The part of lives that older people have already had’ ?
Alice has entered Wonderland.
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Post by sph on Apr 6, 2021 22:48:07 GMT
The government also closed everything down and told the young to work from home. They are losing part of their lives that older people have already had, so no, younger people can't just put up with it until October. You appear to be forgetting all the sacrifices they have made to get older people to a point where vaccines are available. If the passport system is just on vaccines alone and introduced before everyone has been offered a jab there will be a revolt. They are losing part of their lives that the older people have already had? How about you tell that to the WWII generation and see how well that goes down? I see absolutely no reason why our youngest adults - probably those in their earlier 20s/late teens and the last to be vaccinated - cannot reap the benefits of a lockdown lift in June but still accept they may be refused access to certain venues, like pubs, cinemas, restaurants, concert venues and theatres, for a couple more weeks until they have been vaccinated, if such a venue decides that is how they want to run their business. Younger adults can still go to work, mix with family and friends inside and out, have parties, BBQs, hug, kiss, do absolutely anything they want unless it involves entering into a premise that decides it wants evidence of a vaccination. I honestly don’t see how that’s unreasonable at all and I say that as a young(ish) adult myself. If it's a couple of weeks, sure. If it drags longer? Nope. That's a kick in the pants for everyone. Young people have sacrificed everything in the last year. I have been made redundant twice, my career has come to a complete halt, I haven't seen my family since 2019 and seeing friends has been extremely rare. Quite frankly I don't want the older generation that I did all that for to say "Suck it up till October" when there's no real justification for them to do so. |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 7, 2021 0:22:17 GMT
The government also closed everything down and told the young to work from home. They are losing part of their lives that older people have already had, so no, younger people can't just put up with it until October. You appear to be forgetting all the sacrifices they have made to get older people to a point where vaccines are available. If the passport system is just on vaccines alone and introduced before everyone has been offered a jab there will be a revolt. They are losing part of their lives that the older people have already had? How about you tell that to the WWII generation and see how well that goes down? I see absolutely no reason why our youngest adults - probably those in their earlier 20s/late teens and the last to be vaccinated - cannot reap the benefits of a lockdown lift in June but still accept they may be refused access to certain venues, like pubs, cinemas, restaurants, concert venues and theatres, for a couple more weeks until they have been vaccinated, if such a venue decides that is how they want to run their business. Younger adults can still go to work, mix with family and friends inside and out, have parties, BBQs, hug, kiss, do absolutely anything they want unless it involves entering into a premise that decides it wants evidence of a vaccination. I honestly don’t see how that’s unreasonable at all and I say that as a young(ish) adult myself. Last I checked the wartime generation weren't treated any differently to their elders when all of that came to an end. It isn't comparable, and in any event life largely went on during the war as much as it could whereas it has largely ground to a halt over the last year, so it is not an accurate comparison in any sense. I'm not saying it is any worse, just not comparable. It's unreasonable because you are punishing younger people whose entire lives have been turned upside down over the past year for something that is entirely out of their control - availability of the vaccine. It is selfish in the extreme of anyone who has been lucky enough to be offered a vaccine to think that way. It isn't a couple more weeks, it is probably more like six months before those at the younger end of the spectrum have had two doses, so don't underplay what you are advocating. I presume you are in a group that has been or will be vaccinated, as otherwise I don't see how you could support restrictions by vaccination status alone until everyone has at least been offered two doses. Up until then it would be as plain and simple a case of discrimination as you are ever likely to see. Entirely different if a testing alternative is offered of course, free of charge. If that is the case then I have no issue with it whatsoever. |
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Post by sph on Apr 7, 2021 0:24:53 GMT
If it's a couple of weeks, sure. If it drags longer? Nope. That's a kick in the pants for everyone. Young people have sacrificed everything in the last year. I have been made redundant twice, my career has come to a complete halt, I haven't seen my family since 2019 and seeing friends has been extremely rare. Quite frankly I don't want the older generation that I did all that for to say "Suck it up till October" when there's no real justification for them to do so. I’m sorry to hear that you were made redundant twice and that isn’t exclusively a younger person issue. I really don’t understand this discussion of sacrifice - you make it sound like you opted to do older people a favour out of the goodness of your heart. You didn’t. You had no choice. You followed the law. You did your civil duty - nothing more, nothing less and if passports are introduced it isn’t the older generation mandating it. Whether it was government-mandated or not, we did it. |
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