An immersive production of The Great Gatsby will reopen in the West End this October, despite many theatres fearing they won’t be able to reopen until next year.
The show’s producers have reimagined the original show to incorporate the restrictions of social distancing, setting it in a 1920s masquerade ball where masks and gloves are worn.
The staging of F Scott Fitzgerald’s novel closed in March in line with public health advice but has now announced plans to reopen on October 1 of this year. Its producers say they are confident that “smaller-scale immersive productions are inherently suited to social distancing measures and will be able to open safely in that time frame, complying with the expected government guidelines on mass gatherings, social distancing and good hygiene practices.”
Alongside compulsory face coverings for audience members, staff and audience members will undergo temperature checks on arrival at the venue, which will be deep cleaned before and after each performance. Bar equipment will be sterilised and hand sanitiser will be available at all times.
Rescheduled London theatre shows - in pictures
The show’s content has been changed to ensure cast and audience can keep a safe distance from others, with the capacity of the venue significantly reduced. Actors will receive training on how to keep audience members at a safe distance while still telling the show’s story.
“Our show has several inherent features that make it safer than a trip to the supermarket, so we’re embracing that and innovating. Hopefully we can provide a blueprint for other productions to open safely and be part of the process of restoring employment and the economy of the creative industries,” said producers Louis Hartshorn and Brian Hook.
If the show is unable to proceed or ticketholders cannot attend, a no-questions-asked ticket exchange policy has been put in place. Tickets are on sale now.
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