Dorset arts centre running at 20% capacity under social distancing
Lighthouse Poole is waiting to see what the Prime Minister sets out in his roadmap for recovery
A Dorset arts centre says working with social distancing will mean a heavy blow to its income in the coming months.
Lighthouse, Poole's centre for the arts says it’s only able to bring in about 20% of its normal capacity under the 1 metre plus rule.
The Prime Minister is expected to set out his roadmap to bring us out of lockdown next week.
But, Chief Executive Elspeth McBain at the Lighthouse says they want clear communication from the government and a clear plan.
She said:
“I would rather, in a way, open in the autumn without social distancing and without testing than to keep bringing our audiences and our staff back in under different guidelines having to operate differently.
“We’ve opened and closed three times already in the last 12 months and we’ve responded very well, but there does come a point when you go ‘Really is there any point doing this, lets just wait and get the sector back to where it needs to be in one fell swoop.”
The theatre says it’s doing what it can with an attitude of ‘what can we do’. It’s allowing rehearsals for groups like Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, which is allowed under restrictions.
But live shows are the money maker for the theatre, and those won’t be financially viable under social distancing rules.
Elspeth McBain said:
“Economically the only way we could continue to do that, is if there’s additional government financial support.
“We’re just waiting now to hear the announcement next week as to what the plans are going to be with regards to opening up.”
It’s not known what might be in store when the Prime Minister makes his announcement next week but he said yesterday that the government would be going 'one way from now on’.