THEATRES GOING DARK: RACHAEL THOMAS

Theatres across the UK "went dark" on March 16, 2020 following government advice.  Deprived of income from paying customers, they still have to pay staff, maintain buildings, and commission work to ensure that there are new plays to watch after the pandemic.  In this episode the Executive Director of Birmingham Rep Rachael Thomas discusses the pressures and responsibilities that rest with a major regional theatre at a time like this.  She estimates (very roughly) that Coronavirus will cost The Rep around £750,000 in lost ticket sales, wages etc.