British Prime Minister Says English Theatres and Cinemas Could Re-Open By May 17

Hope is on the horizon for the theatre industry- at least in London it is. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced today in a speech to the House of Commons that English theatres could re-open as early as May 17, 2021, should vaccination rollout continue as planned.

Theatres and other indoor entertainment venues, like movie theatres, could tentatively return (with social distancing) in Phase 4 of a four-phase program outlined by Johnson. Schools return in England on March 3, some outdoor sporting events on March 29, drive-in theatres on April 12, and finally, theatres in May.

Johnson also revealed that social distancing restrictions could become more relaxed as soon as June.