Long road back for live theatre and music

Every music fan is asking when can we return to concerts, gigs or even pub gigs and the answers are no clearer.

Sir Cameron Mackintosh said this week he cannot see musical theatre back before next year.

He bases that on his industry insights required in casting, planning, scheduling and rehearsals all essential before a theatre or touring show can commence.

So even if government guidelines relax the quality shows at least will not swiftly return.

The colossal loss of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe has many implications, and even although the Fringe Society plan to roll over to 2021, how many international visitors will have the confidence to travel?

Some of the big four Fringe companies still hoped to produce a small scale set of shows in August as many have empty spaces and are gambling on perhaps even a reduced local audience for the shows they return with year after year.

Wisely though, the only statements from them is to refund tickets already purchased and a promise for 2021.

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/fifers-decline-payment-freeze-support-leisure-trust-2850701

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/rehearsals-must-go-line-fife-opera-2850989

The buzz of the crowd in the mild outdoors then running for the last train was the norm for me.

One venue I know of in Rose Street, Edinburgh, has said it will host their own productions and it will hope that, with only a few shows in town, it may have a captive audience.

The Stand Comedy venue have a successful weekly online show with various comics and all for donations .

Raith Rovers this week were able to broadcast their Player of the Year Awards online concluding with David Latto performing his arrangement of Geordie Munro in an empty Starks Park.

He debuted his version just before lockdown to the BBC cameras on stage in the Kings Live Lounge on the Esplanade.

Currently we hear of a continuation of social distancing for some time yet though and figures released speak of how public transport would look with these measures.

Could five passengers in a single decker bus be economical?

Any musical show in central Kirkcaldy whether theatre, pub or club surely is only worthwhile in a collective gathering?

Social distance dancing has been the norm in all but ballroom and in Northern Soul always that way, but seating and bar orders immediately make this another nonstarter.

OnFife have started a Film Club where members can join for free though, watch a movie on TV then join in the chat afterwards.

We may see more like this for a few weeks yet.

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Allan Crow, Editor, Fife Free Press