COVID Vs Theatres! With Producer Dan Looney

In this week’s show, Kevin talks to theatre producer, Dan Looney, the man responsible for such theatrical hits as ‘Rock Of Ages’ and ‘Fame’, to discuss the current state of theatre in the UK, and how it hopes to move forward following the devastating effects of the pandemic.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Theatrical insurance is complicated and technical. Most companies keep a list of diseases through which policies may be enacted. When the lockdown began, COVID-19 was not listed, and therefore theatres were confused about whether they could close.
• The lockdown’s effects upon theatre are unprecedented. Since WW2, theatres there have only been forcibly closed for two days. The current closures are slowly strangling the industry there.
• The loss of regional theatres is a huge blow to the industry, as they provide much-needed venues for national tours. The feeling is that once they are gone, they will be gone forever, drastically changing the face of theatre in Britain.
• Social distancing is expected to conclude in early 2021, and the mood suggests that many are looking forward to spending the entirety of the year in celebration, with much money being spent on leisure.

BEST MOMENTS

‘It was a way for the government to make it very easy to shirk the responsibility’ - 5:00

‘We’re all in this new world of not really knowing what’s next’ - 7:20

’The whole idea that we can do social distancing in theatres, and get back to normal, just isn’t possible’ - 20:40

’Next year is going to be the year of the party’ - 22:25

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Dan Looney Twitter - https://twitter.com/dan_looney?lang=en

The Kevin Clifton Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-kevin-clifton-show/id1475650764

ABOUT THE HOST

Kevin Clifton is a professional dancer who has been performing & competing at the highest level for over a decade. Kevin has worked on shows like 'Burn the floor' & 'Rock of Ages' to 'Strictly Come Dancing' one of the biggest TV shows in the UK which Kevin won in 2018.

CONTACT METHOD

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