London’s West End theatres go into coronavirus shut down and top cinema chains also close their doors in the wake of warning to steer of social venues to combat deepening crisis
London’s West End theaters and cinemas have acted quickly following government advice on Covid-19 by shutting its doors until further notice.
Prime minister Boris Johnson announced on Monday that the nation should avoid going to pubs clubs and theaters following the escalating coronavirus pandemic.
Shortly after, the Society of London Theatre released a statement saying that the West End would close until further notice.
UK Theatre also claimed it would take the same measures with its 165 venues around the country.
Cinemas chains soon followed suit on Tuesday with the Odeon announcing an immediate closure
In a statement posted on Twitter the cinema chain said: ‘Following Government guidelines Odeon cinemas are closed until further notice.
‘If you have pre-booked tickets online these will be refunded automatically.’
As well as the Odeon other cinemas also revealed nationwide shutdowns.
The Odeon cinema is one of the first to close its doors following the prime minister’s recommendation that the public avoid pubs, clubs and theaters
Odeon announced on Twitter that it would close until further notice
Cineworld and Picturehouse has announced the closure of all its cinemas across the UK starting from Wednesday, March 18, and in Ireland starting on Tuesday until further notice.
A statement said the decision was made in light of the current coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak and recent UK government advice.
Cineworld Group CEO, Mooky Greidinger said: ‘At Cineworld and Picturehouse we are committed to providing safe and healthy environments for our employees and guests and have therefore made the difficult decision to close our cinemas in UK and Ireland until further notice.
Cineworld also announced it would be closing its doors from Wednesday until further notic
‘We deeply value our cinema-loving customers and have no doubt we will be serving everyone again as soon as possible with a full slate of Hollywood blockbusters and the best of independent films and content.’
Even before the government’s latest recommendation, venues had made decisions to close its doors early.
The Old Vic was the first to shut its doors on Sunday with Endgame, starring Daniel Radcliffe, seeing its run end two weeks early.