London's Theatreland set for cautious return as shows reopen in West End

Audiences will have to follow a script of strict social distancing measures

A member of staff cleans a pod of the London Eye in preparation for its reopening, as coronavirus disease restrictions ease in the UK. Reuters

A diver cleans a tank at the Sea Life Centre in London in preparation for reopening, as coronavirus restrictions ease in the UK. Reuters

Members of the public queue to receive vaccinations in a pop-up vaccination bus parked at Essa Academy in the Daubhill area of Bolton, north-west England. Bloomberg

A three-metre black marlin skeleton is installed as part of the new 'Our Broken Planet' exhibition at the Natural History Museum in London. The museum will reopen to the public on May 17, as Covid-19 restrictions are eased. EPA

The cast of 'Amelie' rehearse before their return to the stage at the Criterion Theatre in London. Reuters

Worshippers have their temperature checked before attending prayers at the Baitul Futuh mosque in south London. Reuters

A mechanics work in the yard at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in Grosmont, north England, as preparations are under way for reopening. AFP

The cast of 'Abba Mania' poses outside Waterloo Station in London. Cast members are getting ready to return to the stage on May 21, as Covid-19 restrictions are eased. EPA

Women who lost their mothers to Covid-19 have lunch by the National Covid Memorial Wall in London. EPA

A housekeeping staff member makes up a bed in one of the classic suites at The Ritz London. After closing its doors in the middle of December, The Ritz is preparing to welcome guests on May 17. Getty Images

Punting on the River Cam in Cambridge, England, is set to be a popular attraction as coronavirus restrictions are eased. Reuters

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson elbow bumps with actress Helena Bonham Carter, during a service at Westminster Abbey, London, to commemorate the life of nurse Florence Nightingale and to mark the contribution of nurses to the community. AP Photo

Worshippers wear face masks while they attend Eid Al Fitr prayers at Didsbury Central mosque in Manchester. Reuters

A staff member disinfects prayer rooms, ahead of Eid Al Fitr at the Green Lane mosque in Birmingham. AP Photo

London's theatres are scheduled to reopen next week as the curtain falls on England's lockdown.

Theatre-goers will be allowed back to venues in the West End and elsewhere in the capital after Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave approval for the next step out of lockdown on Friday.

Audiences will have to follow strict social distancing measures once inside.

Theatre bosses say they are expecting the return to be cautious, although ticket sales are relatively buoyant.

Only about a third of London theatres will reopen from next week, including those playing productions such as Wicked, Hamilton, and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella as producers await the final phase-out of lockdown in June to reopen.

Last year it was feared that up to 70 per cent of London's theatres could close without a financial lifeline following the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

"The bigger shows need the fuller capacity. Their running costs are just too high. They can't get by on 50 per cent of the seats," said Julian Bird, chief executive of the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre.

Among those returning next week is The Mousetrap at St Martin's Theatre, which is still the world's longest-running play.

Also returning are Everybody's Talking About Jamie, Les Miserables – The Staged Concert and the musical Amelie.

St Martin's Theatre in London's West End presenting Agatha Christie's 'The Mousetrap', which is the longest running show in the world, is expected to be back in business this week. Getty Images

Despite a difficult past year, those in the industry say they are delighted to be back at work.

"So many people are still waiting for that call to come," Elliott Griggs, lighting designer for the Amelie production, said. "So I feel very lucky to be here and back doing this job."

Theatre shows returning next week:

• The Mousetrap at St Martin's Theatre – Monday
• Reunion (English National Ballet) at Sadler's Wells – Monday
• 21st Century Choreographers (Royal Ballet) at the Royal Opera House – Tuesday
• Amelie The Musical at Criterion Theatre – Thursday
• Les Miserables: The Staged Concert at the Sondheim Theatre – Thursday
• Cruise at the Duchess Theatre – Thursday
• Herding Cats at the Soho Theatre – Thursday
• Six at the Lyric Theatre – Friday
• Harm at the Bush Theatre – Friday
• Everybody's Talking About Jamie at the Apollo Theatre – Friday
• Overflow (Alexander Whitley Dance Company) at Sadler's Wells – Friday
• Abba Mania! at Shaftesbury Theatre – Friday