Last week, the Scottish Government announced that regulations to crowd gatherings were to be put in place in a bid to restrict the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). From Monday 16 March, the government has asked that events involving more than 500 people not take place. This includes cultural gatherings such as theatre performances. On this page, we will provide as many updates as we can regarding the current status of theatres around Scotland. If you have tickets for a performance, we do advise you to check the theatre’s website for the most up-to-date information, which should include details regarding refunds and/or whether performances are to be rescheduled.
EDINBURGH
The 17 March has seen a number of smaller venues across Scotland make the decision to close to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The Traverse Theatre announced that they have “decided to close our building to the public and suspend our programme until further notice to maintain the safety and wellbeing of all those who work with and visit us.” The Traverse Executive closed their statement with the following words:
“One day, this strange time will become a story which Scotland’s playwrights and theatremakers will tell on our stages. And when they do, we hope you will join us to hear it.”
Read the full statement here.
On 17 March, the Lyceum Theatre announced the cancellation/postponement of all performances scheduled to take place at the venue this month. Barefoot in the Park, currently set to take place in April, has not yet been cancelled and tickets are still available to purchase.
Read the full statement here.
Capital Theatres announced on 16 March that all performances at the Festival Theatre, the King’s theatre and The Studio will be either postponed or cancelled throughout the rest of March and the whole of April as a precautionary measure. An email sent out to ticket-holders states that all customers “who have tickets for performances during March and April will automatically receive a full refund over the coming weeks. Our box office staff will contact customers directly if there are any issues, please bear with us as we work through the refund process at this challenging time.”
They “greatly appreciate the support of our audiences at this testing and anxious time. It is a fast-moving situation; we are monitoring it closely and will keep you posted. We are hopeful that things will get back to normal soon and we hope to see you return in the not too distant future, stay safe.”
Read their full statement here.
Edinburgh Playhouse‘s parent company ATG announced today that all performances are to be suspended until further notice:
“In response to the Prime Minister’s statement this evening, advising the UK public to avoid unnecessary social contact, including in theatres, we regret to inform you that shows in all Ambassador Theatre Group UK venues are temporarily suspended with immediate effect.”
Read the full statement here.
While the venue plans to stay open, Summerhall has started cancelling and postponing events due to take place over the coming weeks.
The Brunton Theatre is currently trying to reschedule performances.
As of 17 March, no official statement has been released from the Assembly Roxy regarding upcoming productions.
GLASGOW
The Tron Theatre announced on the 17 March that “all scheduled performances, events, classes and workshops will be cancelled or postponed until further notice.”
Read the full statement here.
All performances at the King’s Theatre and the Theatre Royal are suspended until further notice.
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland have announced they are suspending “all performances, concerts and public events until further notice. This now includes off-site performances such as BA Acting performance of Kilter in London”
As of 17 March, Platform Glasgow have begun to cancel events taking place at the venue this month.
On 17 March, Òran Mór began to announce the cancellation and postponement of their March and April dates.
ABERDEEN
Aberdeen Performing Arts have announced that all their venues are to be temporarily closed. This includes The Lemon Tree, His Majesty’s Theatre and the Music Hall.
On 17 March, the Tivoli Theatre announced the theatre’s closure following the government’s advice.
AYR
The Gaiety in Ayr has announced that all operations are being suspended until September 2020. Though they hope to relaunch after the summer, the theatre has highlighted the threat the closure poses to The Gaiety:
“This action is a critical threat to The Gaiety and to the livelihoods of all those who work in the arts. Most of The Gaiety’s funding comes from people like you, coming to see our performances. Without these performances, the vast majority of our income is gone.
But we do not believe that it is practical or responsible for us to stage shows while people’s lives are at risk.
We are determined to survive, to retain our dedicated team, and to get our shows back on track as soon as possible. So we need your help urgently. The Gaiety Theatre is a registered charity, and any donation – large or small – will ensure that our theatre stays thriving, long after this crisis is past.”
Read the full statement here.
DUNDEE
Dundee Rep announced on 17 March that the theatre will close temporarily. In their statement, Dundee Rep stated that “[a]t this stage, we do not know how long the closure and suspension of our activities will last. However, we anticipate that the rest of our published season will now not take place. We will continue to follow Government advice as it is issued.”
Read the full statement here.
DUNFERMLINE
The Alhambra Theatre are currently working with promoters to try and reschedule events to later in the year.
DUMFRIES
The Theatre Royal announced on the 17 March that the theatre will be closed until the 21 May 2020.
GREENOCK
On 17 March, The Beacon Arts Centre announced that “In line with the UK and Scottish Government’s advice to avoid social contact, including in theatres, the Beacon Arts Centre is suspending all activities with immediate effect, until further notice, to support measures to combat the spread of COVID-19.”
HIGHLANDS
This evening, Pitlochry Festival Theatre announced their temporary closure and intention of offering sources of entertainment for those in isolation via their online platforms. Addressing the future of the theatre, PFT say:
“The impact of COVID-19 is a critical threat to Pitlochry Festival Theatre and to the livelihoods of many in the region and in the arts. Most of our funding comes from you attending our productions and spending time here with us. Without you the vast majority of our income is gone and the organisation will not be able to stay open.
Right now we need you. Please consider making a donation and/or donating your ticket to the Theatre.”
Read the full statement here.
Eden Court have announced that they are consulting the theatre’s funders and stakeholders regarding the current programme’s future:
“We’re in the business of bringing people together. It’s looking increasingly likely that our ability to do that, in the short-term, may not be possible.”
PERTH
All events at Perth Theatre and Perth Concert Hall have been suspended as of 17 March, with the theatres closed until further notice.
ST ANDREWS
The Byre Theatre has cancelled all events and performances until Sunday 31 May 2020. Refunds will be provided to all patrons.
STIRLING
The Macrobert Arts Centre have suspended all live events, including workshops and film screenings, until 12 April.