Government gives the OK for al fresco shows from this weekend

Comedy gigs can officially take place outdoors from Saturday.

The latest relaxation of lockdown laws paves the way for stand-up shows to take place in pub gardens across England this summer, as long as social distancing is respected.

Some venues already jumped the gun, with Bristol nightclub Lakota staging a sold-out stand-up night  in its courtyard this week. And other ventures, such as the week-long Pop-Up Picnic in Bicester, Oxfordshire, from July 21, had already gambled on live gigs being permitted.

Now the green light given by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden makes such events legitimate.

Speaking in Downing Street, he said: ‘This is an important milestone for our performing artists, who have been waiting patiently in the wings since March. 

‘Of course we won’t see crowds flooding into their venues. But from 11 July, our theatres, operas, dance and music shows can start putting on outdoor performances  to socially distanced audiences.

‘Our performing artists deserve an audience. And now they will be getting one.’

He also said that the government would be ‘working with public health experts to carefully pilot a number of indoor performances - from the London Symphony Orchestra at St Luke’s, to Butlins - to work out how we can confidently usher socially-distanced audiences indoors as soon as possible’.

Technically, the relaxation only applies to professional performers, with the government saying amateurs ‘must at all times do so in line with government legislation and guidance on meeting people outside your household’.

Venues have been told to reconsider their maximum capacity and keep separate households apart, think about staggering entry times, introducing one-way systems, encouraging e-tickets and contactless payment, managing toilet queues, adding sanitising stations and ramping up cleaning schedules. Detailed guidance has been issue to all venues planning to open.

Dowden’s announcement follows the news of a £1.57billion lifeline package for the arts. However, many who work in comedy fear the industry will miss out on a share of those grants as the art form is rarely recognised by official funding bodies.

The Live Comedy Association this week launched a #SaveLiveComedy campaign to lobby for access to these funds and highlight the benefits of a thriving circuit.

Tuesday’s gig in Bristol featured Stuart Goldsmith, Funmbi Omotayo and Sally-Anne Hayward. Organised by local promoters Comedy Box, which have shows programmed there throughout July, the gig sold out at £50 a table. 

There I am. Just about to host an outdoor gig in Bristol. First time on stage in four months. Outdoor gigs are the way forward. It’s been amazing. pic.twitter.com/YC363kbp6X

— Sally-Anne Hayward (@sallyannhayward) July 7, 2020

Published: 10 Jul 2020