Boris Johnson confirms relaxation of rules

Boris Johnson has confirmed that lockdown will be eased from next Monday – allowing live comedy to recommence.

As widely expected, the Prime Minister has given the green light for pubs and other venues across England to open for indoor customers again after May 17.

He said indoor entertainment will resume, including cinemas and theatres,  with larger events in these venues able to resume with capacity limits.

Audiences will be have remain socially distanced, as people  can only meet indoors in groups of up to six or as two households.

Johnson said the next stage of relaxation was made possible because of the success of vaccines in cutting hospitalisations 

The hope is that the looser regime does not lead to a new spike in infections and that the government can progress to the final stage of its road map and lift all restrictions on social contact on  June 17.

Many comedy clubs had already announced reopening proposals from after May 17, with Central London’s 99 Club the latest to do so, unveiling a programme of events at the Arboretum, just off Leicester Square, today. Acts scheduled to appear include Hal Cruttenden, Chris McCausland, Simon Brodkin and Sophie Duker.

Scotland also hopes to ease its restrictions on Monday, although no formal announcement has been made.

Moving to level 2 will mean theatres can open and bars can welcome customers until 10.30pm indoors, limited to pre-booked two-hour slots. Groups of up to six people from three households will be allowed to meet indoors and social distancing must be in force.

Published: 10 May 2021