The world of theatre nationally and globally has suffered catastrophic losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is estimated that the industry has suffered a 92% drop in revenue due to the lockdown, forcing theatres to close. The impact has been wide spread, affecting not just the actors, producers etc. but all support staff involved in a production, large or small. The economic fall out is huge, with up to 40% of staff being faced with redundancy. 

I believe that this industry has an enormous economic impact on our country as a whole, attracting local residents in the smaller provincial theatres as well as being a huge tourist attraction that brings in a huge revenue. If theatres are to survive and be able to reopen and therefore attract this revenue once more after the pandemic, we must support the theatre industry and I urge the Government to help as a matter of urgency before we lose this iconic, and immensely important part of our culture. 

The theatre industry has been incredibly inventive in finding ways to provide innovative ways to share their productions with their audiences, eg. streaming virtual performances, adjusting the acting/choreography to adhere to social distancing. A good example of this is The Old Vic streaming several performances of their play "Lungs", starring Matt Smith and Claire Foy. Other West-End actors been supporting the "Leave a Light On" campaign by streaming concerts in their own home to highlight the cause such as Aimie Atkinson, Layton Williams and David Hunter. 

I implore you to support me in this incredibly important cause.