Committee to take evidence on re-opening performance venues vis-à-vis social distancing requirements
2 September 2020
The composer and producer Andrew Lloyd Webber will give evidence to the DCMS Committee on the financial viability of reopening performance venues, while meeting the government’s social distancing requirements.
- Watch the session on Parliament TV
- Non-inquiry session: Re-opening venues at capacity
- Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Venue capacity and re-opening
Evidence from the creative and sports sectors shows that venue capacities will be far below the level required to break even, when audiences and fans are required to maintain social distancing. Andrew Lloyd Webber has urged the Government to announce a target date for venues to reopen without social distancing. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has estimated November would be the earliest date possible.
Purpose of the session
MPs will specifically consider how sporting events and live music performances can safely resume, including alternative plans to allow reopening of venues at capacity without social distancing. These include proposals for audience members to have to obtain negative Covid-19 test results to be admitted to live events and venues. The use of testing and digital ‘health passports’ to allow safe attendance at sporting events will also be examined.
Witnesses
8 September 2020
At 9.30am:
- Andrew Lloyd Webber, Composer and Owner, LW Theatres
- Rebecca Kane Burton, CEO, LW Theatres
- Melvin Benn, Managing Director, Festival Republic
- Lucy Noble, Artistic and Commercial Director, Royal Albert Hall and Chair, National Arenas Association
- Avi Lasarow, CEO Europe, Middle East and Africa, Prenetics