To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference
to Guidance for people who work in performing arts, including arts organisations,
venue operators and participants, updated by his Department on 28 October 2020, what
plans his Department has to publish an indicative date for reaching stage 5 of re-opening
live performance venues.
<p>Following the new national restrictions being put in place from 5 November to 2
December, we are currently at Stages 1 & 2 of the Performing Arts Roadmap, meaning
that rehearsals, training and performances for broadcast and recording purposes (without
an audience) can take place. We recognise the importance of giving the sector clarity
for when Stage 5 activity can resume and acknowledge the lead in time required for
programming, casting and rehearsing productions.</p><p>We have always said that further
reopening would be dependent on the public health context at the time. DCMS has convened
a Venues Steering Group which includes representatives from leading sector organisations
as well as Public Health England and other experts to develop an action plan for maximizing
activity under Stages 3 and 4, when it is permitted, and for how we safely proceed
to Stage 5. DCMS will continue to work with the sector to establish an appropriate
pilot process for testing the return to stage 5 activity when appropriate and are
working closely with the Department for Health and Social Care on the Government Mass
Testing Programme.</p><p> </p>
