How Melbourne theatres will open for musicals and shows after coronavirus lockdown
Melbourne theatres are gearing up to open as soon as they get the green light — and they will light the way for London’s West End and New York’s Broadway. So when are audiences likely to get back to shows including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child?
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Melbourne theatres are set to be a global “beacon” on how to get shows and audiences back.
While London’s West End and Broadway in New York will probably remain dark for some time, Australia’s success in tackling coronavirus means our theatres will probably re-open first.
Melbourne’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Childwill likely lead the way, with producer Michael Cassel optimistic about welcoming audiences back to the Princess Theatre this year.
“Melbourne and Australia will be a beacon of hope for everyone,” Mr Cassel said.
“There will be a moment when theatre will return and how wonderful for us to celebrate that in Victoria.
“Those of us able to return quickly have a great responsibility because the arts industry has been decimated by this but we will be able to send a signal to the industry that we have returned, we’re open and give confidence to colleagues in the industry and encourage the general public to come back again.”
Following government and health authorities’ approval, the likely opening of smaller venues — cabaret venues, independent theatres and some big-name comedians booked at the Athenaeum and the Comedy Theatre from October to December — will help build audience confidence.
The Melbourne producer of shows such as West Side Story and School of Rock, Damien Hewitt, said Victoria could become a type of theatrical bubble with heightened optimism.
“We might be able to show the world how to get big shows up and running again,” Mr Hewitt said.
“The culture of this theatre town has not been beaten. Melbourne is the cultural capital of Australia and that hasn’t gone. People may be cautious but there’s a lot of dialogue going on in the industry about the tools we need to rebound and how customers can help us.
“We want to make it safe for them because no one wants to see a world where there’s no theatre.”
Moulin Rouge producer Carmen Pavlovic said smaller venues had suffered the most financially through the pandemic.
“I’m talking with industry colleagues all the time about how to promote confidence and then how do we maintain it and build together as a community,” Ms Pavlovic said.
“I do believe there will be a staggered return of shows.”
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