Lockdown 2.0

Comedy clubs, theatres and pubs forced to close again

Comedy clubs and theatres in England will have to close for a month from Thursday as Covid rates soar again.

As expected, Boris Johnson has announced another lockdown lasting from November 5 to December 2, closing all hospitality venues including pubs and restaurants.

The announcement is yet another blow to the live comedy scene, which was only slowly getting back on its feet with socially distanced gigs.

'No responsible PM can ignore the message of those figures,' Johnson said after his medical advisers outlined what could happen if the virus went unchecked. 'We've got to be humble in the face of nature.'

Chief medical officer Chris Whitty, said that if the country did not take action now, the chances of the NHS being in 'extraordinary trouble' in December would be 'very, very high'.

Non-essential shops, hairdressers and leisure venues will also be shut, but Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has confirmed that film and TV production will be able to continue behind closed doors.

While Johnson announced an extension of the furlough scheme to pay the majority of the wages of salaried workers unable to work during the lockdown, the Night Time Industry Association blasted the lack of oother support.

'Hugely concerning!' the industry body tweeted. 'What about support for lost revenue? What about businesses being squeezed by disproportionate restrictions? What about commercial rents? Too little too late - People across our sector are suffering!'

Parliament will debate and vote on these measures on Wednesday.

The Mash Report's Rachel Parris summed up the industry reaction: