AFTER months of tragedy, theatres got some good news yesterday.

The Government announced that under tiers 1 and 2, entertainment venues could finally reopen.

Theatre has been one of the hardest hit industries during the pandemic.

In July, theatres across Oxfordshire illuminated their buildings in bright red to highlight the financial emergency they were facing.

Oxford Playhouse and the Old Firestation in the city centre were joined by the North Wall in Summertown, Pegasus in East Oxford and Chipping Norton Theatre.

The stunt was part of the national campaign using the social media hashtag #LightInRed aiming to draw attention to the plight of the entertainment industry.

Oxford Mail:

At the time Oxford Playhouse launched a fundraising campaign to keep it going which has raised more than £100,000, but in order to survive it said it would still have to make redundancies affecting up to 20 per cent of its 50 contracted staff.

Now Louise Chantal, the joint director and CEO of Oxford Playhouse has welcomed the reopening.

She said: “Of course, we’re delighted the reduced Corona levels in Oxfordshire mean we are returning to Tier 2, which allows socially-distanced performances to take place.

“However, it doesn’t affect our immediate plans for the Christmas season.

"When Lockdown 2 was announced, the Playhouse made the decision to postpone all live events till at least early February in order to avoid the costs and confusion of more cancellations.

"We are now finalising our Spring 2021 season which will include re-scheduled and new events, and feel confident we will be able to welcome socially-distanced audiences in the New Year.

"Meanwhile, there’s a brilliant selection box of online family shows for people to watch at home."

For more visit oxfordplayhouse.com