Millennium Forum to send out red alert on dire position of the theatre industry

Public health measures and social distancing requirements have meant the landmark venue is unable to operate.

And with ninety staff on furlough and no definite date for a return to normality management has decided to send out a very clear red alert to highlight the difficulties that all theatres in the region are facing.

Chief Executive, David McLaughlin explained: “The theatre industry is among the hardest hit of all sectors due to the pandemic and we wanted our building to act as a beacon to highlight our plight at this most difficult and challenging time.

"At the Millennium Forum, we currently have ninety staff on furlough with no clear guidelines from government as to when we can lift social distancing rules and allow us to be operational again. Our business is not sustainable in the current operating climate. Simply put, it is not viable either economically or artistically at present.”

The city centre venue welcomes in excess of 320,000 visitors per year. Mr. McLaughlin said this adds over £11 million to the yearly economy in Derry.

“We are asking government to consider our plight as a matter of urgency and to carefully look at our sector issuing clear guidelines. For example, social distancing is impossible backstage and onstage while in the main auditorium, it cuts our potential audience by approximately 75 per cent meaning that only 240 people would currently be permitted to use our auditorium which is not economically viable from an operational perspective.

"These are dark days for theatre and our message is simple: help us and give us a clear timeframe for fully re-opening.”

The Millennium Forum is currently selling shows for 2021 online at https://www.millenniumforum.co.uk/whats-on/