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.