Last week, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said that pilots for indoor performances will be taking place with the London Symphony Orchestra at St Luke's, at The London Palladium and at Butlin's to test guidelines for indoor productions during the ongoing pandemic.

The government are also investigating how live singing and musical instruments can affect the transmission of the virus. This will be done in partnership with Public Health England, professional musicians from the Royal Opera House and the BBC and scientists from Imperial College, London and Bristol University.

Today, Dowden also announced that it will be possible to stage safe outdoor performances from 11 July, with more information available here.

In a move that will be welcome to many venue owners, Dowden has also stated that: "We are also taking steps through the planning system to protect theatres and venues from demolition or change of use".

Earlier this week the government unveiled a major financial package to support the arts industry throughout the pandemic, though specifics about the nature of funding have yet to be revealled. Dowden has also not yet announced any return date for indoor performances.

More updates to follow. Follow the Joseph Rowntree Theatre to be kept up to date on the latest surrounding the reopening of theatres across the country.