*
banner

Theatre representatives put £300 million price on keeping doors open

Leaders from the Royal Opera House and Albert Hall urge the government for financial assistance or they could close for good.

aLBERT hALL
  The doors could be closed for good if the Albert Hall carries on spending its reserves

It is being reported that two of the UK's most famous musical venues are in danger of closing their doors permanently unless the government considers an urgent financial recovery plan for theatres and opera houses.

Summit

It was reported on the Classic fm website that Alex Beard, the CEO of the Royal Opera House warned a on-line summit hosted by Cities of London and Westminster MP, Nickie Aiken, that the iconic venue in Covent Garden would not last beyond Autumn meeting expenditure from its current reserves.

During the meeting, leading figures in the arts and cultural sector agreed that the government will have to invest around £300 million into the theatre industry for every three months venues are closed.

Albert Hall

The representative from the Royal Albert Hall was reported to say that neither venue would be able to reopen to the public with social distancing in place.

The hall which was opened in 1871 would only be able to survive until April 2021 before being forced to close its doors for good.

It was revealed that in an e-mail written to Classic fm, Alex Beard wrote: "Put simply: without further government support, our theatres will close, the arts will shrink and a generation of talent could be lost to history."

theatre leaders stated that keeping social distancing at two metres, or even 1.5 according to World Health Organisation's guidelines would leave "every auditorium unable to open economically"4BR

Unable to open

During the summit, theatre leaders stated that keeping social distancing at two metres, or even 1.5 according to World Health Organisation's guidelines would leave "every auditorium unable to open economically".

Theatre representatives did put forward a four point list of recommendations to assist venues in future — including strict cleaning regimes and heat testing and the adoption of new safety measures.

It was noted that in South Korea audience members must wear masks and have their temperature checked, whilst automatic doors ensure contact is kept to a minimum.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Broders

Annan Town to defend their entertainment borders in Jedburgh

October 27 • 15 bands will compete at the Borders Entertainment Contest in Jedburgh this weekend.


Radio

Radio: Touch of Brass

October 27 • Music linked to Remembrance Day is brought to us by Martin Upfold and Julie Hedge


Wychavon

Final line-up of Wychavon entertainers announced

October 27 • There will be full day of brass band entertainment and plenty of prizes on offer in Evesham this weekend.


Danish Champions

Danish bands ready for National challenges

October 27 • The Danish National Championships take place in Aarhus this weekend with titles up for grabs.


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the RAF

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Amersham Band

Friday 24 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Haverhill Silver Band - Concert in Thaxted Church

Saturday 25 October • haxted Parish Church. Watling St, Thaxted CM6 2PE


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band VE & VJ Day Remembrance Concert

Saturday 25 October • St Mary’s Church Petworth GU28 OAD


Regent Hall Concerts - Paddington Brass

Friday 31 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Lostock Hall Brass Band

October 27 • Lostock Hall Memorial Brass Band, North West 2nd Section seek applications for a vibrant, enthusiastic Musical Director to continue to develop and grow the band. With a great mix of youth and experience we are based just off M6 JCT 29 Near Preston


Olney Brass

October 27 • Currently seeking the following players to complete our line up: Solo Cornet, Soprano Cornet, Flugel Horn & Eb Bass. We are a friendly and ambitious, 2nd section L&SC area brass band, with a good mixture of concerts, fetes and contests throughout the year


City of Norwich Brass

October 25 • We’re Recruiting!. Do you have the sound, passion, and presence to lead our trombone section?. We’re looking for a Solo Trombone to join our friendly and ambitious brass band.. We rehearse on Tuesday evenings at Hethersett Village Hall, Norwich, NR9 3JJ


Andy Wareham

BMus (Hons), MMus (Hons)
Conductor, Composer, Brass Tutor, Musicologist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd