Reopening of theatres after lockdown will be another step on road to 'normality' - the YEP says

Performances were cancelled and the once-bustling stalls lay empty.

Theatre chiefs have suffered a “horrendous year” and the team behind Leeds Grand and City Varieties found themselves on “the brink”.

Without crucial support from recovery grant funding, they feared they would have to close their doors permanently.

But now they are looking with cautious optimism to the future if the Government’s easing of lockdown restrictions goes to plan.

Today they step firmly into the spotlight to mark World Theatre Day, as they look back on what has been a torrid year for the performing arts industry.

And once our theatres - a key part in our city’s rich cultural jigsaw - can open their doors once again, confidence and safety will be vital for audiences.

After all, the show must go on and the return of theatres will be another step back to the road to ‘normality’.

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