Julian Bird News

It was confirmed today by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, that Step 3 easements will begin on 17 May, and that data shows that the government’s “four tests” for easing restrictions have been met. Beginning Monday 17 May, indoor hospitality will be able to reopen and indoor entertainment can resume, including cinemas, museums & children’s play areas.

A year ago, theatres across the country closed their doors due to the pandemic. Today, survey results collected by Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre from across the theatre sector paint a picture of an industry that has struggled to survive the past 12 months and faced huge financial strain - but remains resilient and adaptable.

'The 2021 budget contains the extension of many vital support mechanisms that have helped the performing arts industry through the pandemic, and it is wonderful that the Government recognises the value of our world-leading culture sector.'

Leaders across the music, theatre and events industries have come together to issue an urgent plea to Government to maintain the 5% VAT rate on ticket sales, brought in to help the beleaguered industry last year.

Theatres in London have been told to shut down once again following Tuesday evening's performances.

Julian Bird, Chief Executive of Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre has released a statement following this afternoon's Government announcement regarding post-lockdown Covid restrictions.

It has been announced at today's Society of London Theatre (SOLT) Annual General Meeting that Eleanor Lloyd will be the new President of SOLT.

The thrilling experience of seeing actors live on stage is under threat during the present Covid restrictions. This new book reminds us of what we are missing while theatres are closed. Through the eyes of this legendary photographer we observe how performers get ready to astonish their audiences.

The announcement of this year's Olivier winners will be broadcast on ITV this Sunday, the 25th October at 10.20pm.

The  Society of London Theatre (SOLT) & UK Theatre have launched a new  scheme called See It Safely, to support venues as they navigate the challenges of re-opening, and to give audiences the confidence that venues are consistent in their approach and implementation of the latest guidelines.

An anti-racism conference for the UK's theatre and dance sectors is taking place in November 2020, presented by Inc Arts UK in partnership with Society of London Theatre (SOLT) & UK Theatre. 'Speak - Listen - Reset - Heal' will be a fully accessible online series, taking place on Tuesday 3rd, 10th and 24th November.

The winners of this year's Oliver Awards 2020 with Mastercard will be announced on Sunday 25 October in a special programme hosted by Jason Manford and broadcast on ITV and Magic Radio. 

The London Palladium has hosted the world's biggest stars over the course of its history. Today, like all theatres across the UK, it is dark. On Thursday, September 17, Magic Radio will bring together over 70 leading figures from across musical theatre at the venue, united for the first time, to shine a spotlight on theatre at a time when its very existence is under threat.

Theatre Artist Fund today announces that thanks to significant investment from Arts Council England, the fund is now open for its next round of applications. The Arts Council has contributed £1 million to the Theatre Artist Fund, following on from the £4 million distributed to benevolent funds earlier in the year as part of its Covid-19 Emergency Response Package. 

Theatre Artist Fund today announces that it received almost 4000 applications in just one week, from out of work theatre practitioners who have found themselves at breaking point since theatres closed in March. 

Culture secretary Oliver Dowden has announced on Twitter that U.K. theatres and music halls will be allowed to reopen on August 1, with socially distanced audiences. 

UK Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has announced further lockdown easing measures for sport and culture. Among the new rules: outdoor theatres, opera and music venues can reopen from 11 July - with live performances in front of outdoor, socially distanced audiences. This is a big 'milestone', notes Dowden, for those who have been 'waiting in the wings' since March.

The UK Government has announced a £1.57 billion rescue package to help the nation's cultural, arts and heritage institutions weather the impact of Coronavirus. It follows weeks of lobbying from arts leaders of impending disaster, and the closure of venues like Nuffield Southampton Theatres. 

UK culture secretary Oliver Dowden has revealed a five-step program which 'provides a clear pathway back' to reopening theaters. 

Leaders in the creative arts industry in the UK say that half of all music venues and 70% of theatres in the UK could be facing permanent closure due to the health crisis.