Has Covid changed the theatre forever?
When Covid-19 hit in March 2020, The Guardian noted that the “creative industries faced a £72bn drop in income”. Theatres were left empty and silent for the first time in over 300 years. Eventually, in an attempt of introducing some normality back into society, the government announced the reopening of theatres on May 10th, 2021.
Ten months on, they are finally able to run without the burden of Covid rules and regulations, but how has the dynamic changed?
Getting dressed up and heading off to the theatre with friends and loved ones is a perfect night out for many. Those occasions when you double check you have your ticket too many times before approaching the entrance, the smiles and ‘sorries’ as you squeeze past people to get to your seat.
Those nights when the lights dim, the music starts to play, and suddenly the curtain lifts and all eyes are on the stage. But Covid caused a new sense fear and ruined the beauty of going to the theatre for many. When social distancing was compulsory, theatres could only cater for half their normal audiences, and Shorthand revealed that “ticket sales at UK theatres fell by 93 percent in 2020”.
The closure of theatres affected many people, but most of the impact fell on the actors, with 47% of the creative field made up of freelancers, not to mention the backstage and front of house staff.
In June 2021, my siblings, mum and I went to see Dirty Dancing at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury – a Christmas gift from our grandparents.
Due to the pandemic, the show was cancelled and the tickets were refunded as vouchers – but after months of waiting we were finally able to rebook and take our trip to Kellermans. The show itself was fantastic – but social distancing meant that half of the seats were left empty.
Masks were compulsory, but itchy too. The cheers were quieter and the atmosphere had declined significantly. We wondered whether going to the theatre would ever be the same.
In March 2022, I returned with my mum to watch Dirty Dancing on stage again, this time at the Dominion Theatre on Tottenham Court Road.
The show was again, brilliant, and the huge crowd only added to the ambiance. Covid-19 has altered theatre experiences forever. Yes, the pandemic has caused a rise in social anxiety surrounding big crowds in confined spaces, but on the other hand, Covid has made society appreciate theatre so much more.
I noticed that a people had started to make a huge effort in their appearance when visiting the theatre again – like going to the ‘movies’ in 1960. The audience was relaxed; more alcohol was consumed; songs were sung; people danced; and everybody really enjoyed themselves. Theatre was no longer taken for granted.
After reflecting on my two very different experiences as an audience member at two performances of the same show, I wondered if I was the only one who felt this way about Covid changing the theatre in a positive way.
In a conversation with two theatregoers, Izabela and Eliise, I found that they also noticed a new appreciation for performances on stage.
How did you react when you found out about the closure of theatres during Covid?
Izabela: “I was absolutely devastated when I first heard I couldn’t see the shows I was planning to see.”
Eliise: “I came to terms with it over a period of time. I eventually didn’t mind because I understood that the government were doing what they had to – to keep everyone safe. It was just a shock because I couldn’t go to the place that I loved – the place that I feel most at peace.”
Why do you enjoy going to the theatre?
Izabela: “Simply just because I enjoy watching people in real life instead of on a screen. I think its more authentic and emotional.”
Eliise: “I love getting dressed up and feeling classy, I find it fun. The atmosphere with everyone around – the energy of a big crowd, it’s just so exciting.”
What did you do to pass the time in lockdown?
Izabela: “I was just reading plays and watching live recordings, like Hamilton on Disney plus”
Eliise: “I just watched musicals on Netflix instead.”
Did you visit the theatre during the pandemic and how was that experience?
Izabela: “Yes I went to see Romeo and Juliet in November at the Globe Theatre and it was great and fun! but I have to wear masks and it was so hot. The actors didn’t wear masks but all of the audience did.
It was uncomfortable for over two hours, I was sweating the whole time – I would have enjoyed it more if I didn’t wear a mask. The mask made me stressed and distracted for the majority of the show. I was surprised to see that there was a big audience but no way near as many people as usual.”
Eliise: “I went to see Wicked in a small theatre, it was intense and people were wearing masks. I didn’t mind wearing masks but my mum didn’t like it at all – I felt bad for my mum as she was so uncomfortable during the whole performance.”
What has changed within theatres post-Covid?
Izabela: “I think everyone appreciates being comfortable now. those small things that I didn’t recognise before. I think theatres are busier now, people don’t realise what they have until it’s taken away. I think the tickets are cheaper now too.”
Eliise: “I went to see the Wicked and I didn’t need to wear a mask. It was so fun and I realised that I felt more involved in the experience as I could where the actors on and feel relaxed and actually enjoy the show. I also felt so happy for the actors on the stage because I could tell they were so happy for some normality – just singing their hearts out on stage.”
Did you have any anxiety when you went to the theatre, post Covid?
Izabela: “When I went during Covid, I was anxious to take my mask off to eat and drink as everyone was wearing masks and I didn’t want to be judged. But now I think that some audience members are still anxious when going to the theatre because some people still wear masks and it’s so unfamiliar to be with so many people in such close proximity.”
Eliise: “A little bit, I think so. I dreaded the thought of wearing masks again – also I was scared of catching Covid, now that there was no mandatory social distancing rules set in place – like this is London and there’s loads of people here.”