Cinemas reopen: When will cinemas reopen?

Cinemas have been closed for some time now, as the lockdown left us forced to remain at home. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has since revealed the next stages of his plans for the UK lockdown. He spoke about the reopening of some hospitality and unlimited exercise in a TV broadcast – but what did he say about cinemas?

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On May 10 Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined some of his plans for the easing of the UK lockdown.

Since his announcement, more details of the plan have been released, including how they will be assessing the risks when it comes to reopening entertainment venues, such as theatres, cinemas and other places which hold many people.

The government document states: “The next step will also take place when the assessment of risk warrants further adjustments to the remaining measures.

“The Government’s current planning assumption is that this step will be no earlier than 4 July, subject to the five tests justifying some or all of the measures below, and further detailed scientific advice, provided closer to the time, on how far we can go.

When will cinemas reopen?

When will cinemas reopen? (Image: Getty)

“The ambition at this step is to open at least some of the remaining businesses and premises that have been required to close, including personal care (such as hairdressers and beauty salons) hospitality (such as food service providers, pubs and accommodation), public places (such as places of worship) and leisure facilities (like cinemas). They should also meet the COVID-19 Secure guidelines.

“Some venues which are, by design, crowded and where it may prove difficult to enact distancing may still not be able to re-open safely at this point, or may be able to open safely only in part.

“Nevertheless the Government will wish to open as many businesses and public places as the data and information at the time allows.”

At the moment, as a result of this statement, cinemas will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

Picturehouse Central in Piccadilly is empty since it closed

Picturehouse Central in Piccadilly is empty since it closed (Image: Getty)

Some cinema chains have already spoken out on their intentions to reopen, with the head of the union representing many cinemas in the UK explaining their position on reopening.

Phill Clapp, chief executive of the UK Cinema Association said: “We’ve made representations to government on the safeguards which UK cinemas would look to have in place for audiences and staff alike upon re-opening.

“And have asked that consideration be given – with these in mind – to allow cinemas to open by end June.”

He later clarified they would be “led by the government’s understanding of the risk presented by COVID-19 and respond accordingly.”

Odeon Cinemas sent a message to the NHS

Odeon Cinemas sent a message to the NHS (Image: Getty)

In Mr Johnson’s announcement, the Prime Minister reiterated the grounds on which the lockdown measures may be eased, relating to a new COVID-19 ‘alert’ system.

At present, he said the UK was working down from a Level Four to a Level Three, however it is not clear at present what these levels represent.

He also said the five coronavirus tests must be met before lockdown measures would be eased, which include the rate of infections remaining below one, and a diminished risk of a second peak of infections.

At present, many of the large cinema chains such as Odeon, Piturehouse and VUE are still closed indefinitely, with no word on when they will reopen other than the comments in the new guidelines.

Cinemas in the USA have had to change their style due to lockdown

Cinemas in the USA have had to change their style due to lockdown (Image: Getty)

Many cinemas have launched or sped up the release of certain films to on-demand platforms, with titles such as Birds of Prey, Bloodshot and other major blockbusters being released for home viewing.

Similarly, the Dreamworks animation Trolls World Tour was released simultaneously on streaming platforms as well as in cinemas, due to the closures of the big screens.

Some cinemas such as Curzon have their own home viewing platforms, Curzon Home Cinema, while others have been sharing platforms such as Sky Store and Amazon Prime Video to make sure fans know where to go to enjoy the latest movies.

However, for the time being, the small screen and the big screen will be one and the same until cinemas reopen.

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