Theatre?

[Beeez]

Supposed to be taking DC to London for a trip to the theatre later this week. When I booked it a couple of months ago I’d been vaccinated, numbers were dropping in the right direction and I assumed that some restrictions would still be in place ie masks, less capacity etc. Now I’m going right off the idea. Numbers now sky high with Delta variant, the place will be full capacity, there will be no ventilation, few wearing masks (judging by everywhere else), singing etc.

I’m double jabbed but not my DC (asthma sufferers). Surely the theatre is the worst place to pick up Covid?!

I know we need to get back to normal at some point but now it’s almost here I don’t think I’m ready. Argh! Help!!

Thanks for all the responses. Good to see a few people have been to the theatre and not caught covid

Agree, have higher levels of anxiety than some, possibly based on my and DC health issues. Also agree will likely catch it sooner or later via school and cannot avoid it. I do think we need to get back to some sense of normality for DC sake.

However...would still argue it’s not really low risk. Yes if masks were compulsory and theatres had good ventilation systems as good air flow is the key thing here. But these old London theatres can’t have great ventilation (though happy to be corrected), and as a few people have confirmed, theatres are now back to full capacity and not everyone will be wearing masks. So being in a stuffy, packed indoor venue with maskless asymptomatic cases, or someone coughing with “just a cold” is surely pretty high up there risk wise, regardless of whether you think that risk is worth it or not.

And would argue it’s not really comparable to being run over or tripping over the pavement as I have some control over how I walk and cross the road, not so much loads of people breathing all over me.

I went yesterday with my DD. There was some social distancing and people were asked to wear masks, I'd say about 60% of the adults were wearing them.

We had a great time after not being able to go for so long but no asthma etc here so not the same position as you.

You sound like you're not really going to enjoy it tbh so if I were you I'd just postpone/cancel.

Glad you had a great time @blueskyemily

Yes to be honest I think the last 18 months have made me realise how intolerant I am of other people and especially large crowds breathing all over me . Not fair on the DC though so still contemplating it...

@CarlaH yes tbh I wasn't sure if it was too soon for symptoms to show the next day, I don't know how long they take to develop.

That is the only crowded place I had been since the end of lockdown though and am kicking myself. But could of just as easily of picked it up at the corner shop. There is no way of knowing.

And of how many others in the crowded theatre who could have picked it up.

I’m CEV and cancelled my theatre tickets for next week.

Sorry to all of those of you who are unwell. @kensington09 this is my concern. Did you feel confident going prior to going and whilst you were there. Hope you feel better soon.

I meant to say, this is how I’m feeling in terms of come so far, will I be kicking myself if we go and catch it. But then there is no end point is there? It’s now not really a case of if but when. Just that the theatre feels the equivalent of a chicken pox party.

Yes before I went I felt fine with it, but I (naively?) assumed it would be social distanced and spaces left in between groups with everyone wearing masks. But it was the complete opposite.

Once I sat down and saw it I regretted going. I said that night I wouldn't be going back for a long time (even though I love going and had missed it) but I wasn't at all comfortable.

@egghead68 sorry to hear that. Think it’s such a difficult one when you have health issues that you know will make it unlikely you’ll have a mild case.

We went to a show last night, we were all surprised at how few people were wearing masks. I would guess less than a quarter of the audience wore masks the whole time, particularly with food and drink being available. No social distancing and it was quite warm, not much ventilation. I enjoyed the show but wasn't thrilled with the audience situation. Neither of my children are known vulnerable though.

If you have worries I would postpone - it's a fair amount of money to be nervous the whole time. Although checking the theater and policies first is a good idea, if seats were separated and masks required I would consider it in your situation.

About half the audience were wearing masks at the Barbican last week. It appeared to be business as usual.

However dd works at The Lyceum and they are asking for proof of Covid status and asking everyone except the medically exempt to wear masks.

LW theatres have similar measures in place.

Ventilation systems are pretty good in many theatres.

@kensington09

I went to the theatre this week, there was no distancing, all seats full, hardly anyone wearing masks, doors were closed so no ventilation. I developed symptoms the next day & have since tested positive. Wish I hadn't gone

The next day would have been too soon. It’s much more likely to be between 3-7 days afterwards.

@Comefromaway is that what is is? Thanks - I wasn't sure how many days the symptoms took to present themselves.

Even if I hadn't caught it, I still wouldn't have been rushing back to the theatre in a hurry so I understand how the OP feels. But as PP said if you could check the theatres policy beforehand, this could help you make your mind up, when you have more info.

@Comefromaway interesting about Thanks Lyceum, thanks as that’s where we are going. Are they having much luck enforcing it do you know?

I'd contact the theatre and see if you can change tickets for a later date?
With asthmatic children this is not a risk I'd take currently

@CraftyYankee and @kensington09 out of interest what shoes did you see? It does seem to vary a lot depending on the theatre.
And yes, I think it would be sensible to contact the theatre directly for their guidelines.

shows not shoes!!

Amusingly I saw Come From Away 😁

Fantastic show.

Definitely not for me, it is crowded, poorly ventilated and you have to sit very near to people.

I miss the theatre very much but is a no from me for a while yet .

The different theatres have different policies. ATG (which I think owns the Lyceum) are asking for Covid pass or negative test at their venues. Nimax theatres are still leaving a spare seat between bookings (or they were). Other theatre owners have their own guidance. Masks were few and far between when I went last week despite signs and announcements requesting you wear unless exempt

Has anyone been to the Garrick Theatre in London since the regulations have changed? Are they still leaving spaces between groups?

Nimax aren't leaving seats free - I was at one this weekend and it was pretty packed. In fact, the woman next to me said, 'excuse me if I cough. I want to let you know I haven't got covid, just a heavy cold.'

Oh. That's Ok then. Because as long as you haven't got covid...

Yikes

I went to the theatre just before lockdown and it was fine. They'd put social distancing in place and everything felt safe.

I'm going again next week and can't wait. To be safe though, if you're going to go, make sure your son wears his mask and take your antibac gel with you. Don't leave anything to chance.