Live theatre may not restart for months after lockdown, says Leeds culture chief

Cluny Macpherson, the chief officer of culture and sport for Leeds Council, said that just because such spaces were some of the first to close, it does not mean they will be the first to open.

He also said that in some senses, the city is in a more “robust” position to recover from closures because the council has increased spending on the arts over the last two years.

Speaking to The Yorkshire Post, he said: “You need three months for people to rehearse.”

He added: “(Just because) culture and sporting venues were the first to close, that doesn’t mean they’re going to be the first to open.”

Highlighting the economic impact of lockdown on theatres, he said that such venues typically rely on ticket sales for 70 to 80 per cent of their income.

Venue closures are a blow as the city gears up for its Leeds 2023 celebrations – a year of art and culture pledged after its bid to be European Capital of Culture was cancelled over Brexit – but Mr Macpherson commented on its growing reputation for culture.

He said: “You see the impact of that externally in terms of how the city is described.”

Spending on culture has risen over the past two years, he said, which may leave the city in a more “robust” position than some to deal with the coronavirus.

Examples include the £750,000 granted to Opera North for its redevelopment project and its £4.4m help with Leeds Playhouse’s revamp.