Cabaret - Playhouse Theatre

Why would ordering a test make things risky for you?

A couple of weeks is more than enough to prepare for a test, and when I booked they said admittance would only be with proof of vaccine etc, so the warning was there already how strict they would be, I remember someone on here making the joke of showing your papers at the door in Germany.

It's your life, not theirs. And frankly if they are willing to be so stubborn they risk your own health like this, and/or are trying to exert that much control over you, then I would be getting far away from them as soon as possible if you can and cutting them off. I entirely appreciate it isn't always that simple, but these last few posts are alarming.

Coming from the States and seeing the show a few times over the next couple weeks. I sent an email asking if someone really going to need 3 different tests in one week, the way my shows are spaced out and I got this response this morning -


Hi Matt,

For each performance of Cabaret you will need to provide us with a lateral flow test result a maximum of 48 hours prior to attending the venue. A test kit can be obtained free of charge from Boots or Superdrug pharmacies, of which there are several on The Strand, quite near the theatre. The result of the test can then be logged on the NHS service, even if you are not an NHS patient or UK resident. The NHS then send a text message or email to you, which can be shown on entry to the theatre.

Thank you

Chloe Freer
Ticketing Assistant

Thanks Matt. That response actually clarifies what we need to do as we are coming from Ireland and were worried about being able to use the NHS service as we are not UK residents. We're not coming until January so things may have changed by then.

I imagine is free testing is axed the show would have to change the rules or provide the testing itself. I don’t think it would be legal to expect an additional unexpected charge to have to be paid before entering. And they can’t use the excuse that people should stock up as they don’t inform ticket-holders of this requirement until two weeks or so before and it was not in place when most booked. 

To avoid any problems, it may be worthwhile spending a few minutes reading the relevant section of the Boots website, and pre-registering an NHS log-in.

www.boots.com/services/covid-19-testing/nhs-lateral-flow

NB: Boots also provide private LFTs, for a fee, though I'm sure they won't try to push anyone down that route.

It was reported in the press the Government was planing on scrapping them from January.  

Also wanted to add that I schedule my testing through DocTap (easy for me to do before coming in) usually and they said that would be fine, so it seems it’s not only NHS emails they’ll accept.

The ones i schedule through DocTap are actual appointments where they’ll do it for you. Personally, Even though these cost money I prefer that. I can’t do the tonsil swab by myself - just not something physically I can ever “get right”.

And that’s the issue. They should really email all ticket holders rather than doing it bit by bit. The press have made more of a fuss about masks being enforced at Moloun Rouge than this despite this being more unique and intrusive.