Fear of virus will deter theatregoers from returning, survey finds

Most theatregoers will not immediately be ready to return to theatres even when they reopen, according to a survey among 2,762 people in Washington DC who attend at least two professional theatre productions in a typical year. Around half of those questioned said they are likely to wait a few months after they reopen before returning, while only a quarter think they will attend straight away. 27 percent said they would attend the theatre less often in future, but only 13 percent said they would attend more often.

Two-thirds said the availability of a vaccine was the factor most likely to prompt them to return to the theatre, while 56% said they would consider returning to theatres sooner if they take steps to clean and disinfect before each performance.