Victorian Theatres Closed

Victorian Theatres Closed

Major theatres in Melbourne will remain closed for at least another week following the announcement (Friday June 16) that venues can still only have 75 people.

The update regulations are as follows.

  • Indoor seated venues such as cinemas can have 50% seated capacity and up to 75 people per venue and maximum group size of 10 people (excluding babies under 1 year). A density requirement of 1 person per 4 sqm applies to indoor non-seated areas.
  • Outdoor seated venues can have 50% seated capacity and up to 150 people per venue and maximum group size of 20 people (excluding babies under 1 year). A density requirement of 1 person per 4 sqm applies to outdoor non-seated areas.

Disney released the following statement about their production of Frozen. 

The news sparked a backlash on social media.

Neil Gooding
So a theatre in Melbourne is still restricted to only 75 people at the moment...but even a brothel is allowed 50 people!!

Tony Featherstone

Just get Elsa to wear an AFL guernsey and the government will find a way to get the crowds in.
 
Come on VIC gov. There is no community transmission and no deaths, allow theatres to open, they follow the Covid safe rules better than anyone.
 
Performers, stage crew, musicians and all involved in this production stay strong as when you do have that opening night the feeling will be amazing. Hope it's soon. Thoughts are with you.
 
Members of Victoria's music, theatre and hospitality sectors have warned they now face being ruined by the restrictions.

They have penned an open letter to Victorian Government.

"Please let us work together to bring Melbourne back to life!" reads the letter. "We represent Melbourne’s major small, medium, and large event, live entertainment, arts, culture and hospitality organisations.

"Melbourne has long prided itself on being the food, cultural and entertainment capital of Australia but the repeated lockdowns, coupled with a very slow return to viable venue operational capacities, are having a crippling long-term effect and have brought our industries to the brink of collapse.

"Our city is recognised as the live music capital of the world with more live music venues (538) per capita than any other city in the world, and countless renowned restaurant and hospitality venues. Yet our sectors are facing financial ruin due to a lack of trust, understanding and meaningful dialogue. For social, creative and economic reasons we must be trusted to literally stand on our own two feet. Trust us, we won’t let you down.

The Arts Centre Melbourne remains closed. A statement on its website says: " Due to current COVIDSafe guidelines, Arts Centre Melbourne venues will be closed until Friday 18 June. Ticketholders will be contacted directly with information regarding affected events."

Performances of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are also cancelled until June 24

Executive Producer Michael Cassel said, "The restrictions have great consequences for cast, crew and most importantly audiences."