When will the shows go on again at theatres in Peterborough?

That is the view from backstage at the city’s theatres following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement of his “roadmap” out of lockdown - which will see theatres allowed to welcome back audiences with some restrictions from May 17 and fully from June 21.

Since lockdown last year, The Cresset has managed just one production and a run of its panto Jack and The Beanstalk - which was cut short in December.

Penny Hansen, head of commercial activities, welcomed the announcement, although she was keeping an eye on what support the government would be giving in terms of grants and a furlough extension between now and then,

“It has been a long time coming but at least now we can have some confidence in planning particularly for a busy autumn season,” she said, adding that the first show was likely to be the Cresset Comedy Club at the end of May. “Even with any social distancing measures we can draw on last year’s experience and know we are in a good position to put shows on.

“We have Peterborough Operatic and Dramatic Society (PODS) putting on a big production of Elf The Musical in November so it also gives them some breathing space and time to cast and rehearse.

“And while it might be some time it also helps in terms of us planning this year’s pantomime Beauty and The Beast.”

She added that once final details are known there may well be extra show added throughout the summer.

Peterborough New Theatre in Broadway, which attracts larger, touring productions has been particularly hard hit.

It is operated by Selladoor Worldwide - itself a touring production company - and its CEO David Hutchinson has spelled out what he thought needed to happen now to support the industry.

“We welcome the roadmap announced today (Monday) – including the full reopening of theatres, without legal limits on capacity, by the end of June,” he said.

“Having been one of the worst hit sectors in the pandemic, and will emerge as one of the last to reopen – it is now crucial that Rishi Sunak announces a package of sector specific recovery support to help theatres and productions get back on their feet again, as part of his budget next week.

“This should include an extension of job support schemes for freelance and salaried practitioners until the summer; an extension on 5% VAT on tickets until 2022; an extension of business rate holidays for theatres and performing arts venues until 2022; and a doubling of the Theatre Tax Relief scheme to support producers and individuals in launching shows, and reengaging audiences, after an almost 18 month absence.

“This package of measures is absolutely essential for the sector to be able to build back our content, and confidence, to relaunch without Covid-specific insurance.”

There has been no announcements yet from City Culture Peterborough on plans for reopening the Key Theatre .

Peterborough’s other large entertainment venue, the East of England Arena and Events Centre, has welcomed the opportunity to recommence Covid-19 secure events as it had been doing prior to the last full lockdown.

Jason Lunn, venue director, commented on the announcemen: “We delivered some of the largest and safest events in the UK before lockdown - The Outdoor Motorhome Campervan Sale, Truckfest and the Festival of Antiques by working very closely with our colleagues in local public health and environmental health.”

Senior events manager for the venue, Pamela Newbould, added: “We understand that we will be able to run drive-in events from 12th April, events with 1000 attendees indoor and 4000 outdoor from 17th May, then all events subject to any remaining mitigations from 21st June.

“We are already working with local public health and local authorities on how we can open and we will continue to work with organisers to help them deliver Covid-19 safe events in line with the steps of the reopening road map.”