Liverpool's Royal Court reveals new audience seating plans

Liverpool’s Royal Court has revealed plans to retain some socially distanced seating for its performances running into the autumn.

Theatre bosses will create a dedicated area of the auditorium for both productions of Bouncers, which runs from August 13 to September 11, and the new musical Homebaked which opens on September 24.

And ahead of that, while the current performances of Ellen & Rigby – Gerry Linford’s play starring Lindzi Germain and Andrew Schofield – will remain at 50% capacity, the theatre has extended its run by a week where the stalls and circle will move to full capacity and only the balcony will see a spaced out seating plan.

Royal Court executive producer Kevin Fearon says: “The relaxation of the rules around social distancing is great news for us as a theatre. We’ve been looking forward to this announcement for a long time.

“That having been said, we’re very aware that a lot of us will still feel a little anxious about coming into a busy room after such a long time avoiding this exact situation.

“We wanted to provide our audience with a choice, and I think that this new plan gives people that.”

General Covid secure measures which will continue after July 19 include hand sanitiser stations and daily antibacterial fogging of the auditorium. People will also be asked to wear masks when walking around inside the building, although temperature checks and one-way systems will remain in the socially distanced sections only.

All staff will also continue daily Covid testing and audience members are encouraged to have a lateral flow test before they visit.

The Royal Court’s Covid refund guarantee scheme will continue for ticketholders.

The theatre reopened its doors earlier this month after being dark for the first half of 2021. Ellen & Rigby, which was due to close on July 31, will now run until August 6.

Top: Ellen & Rigby photo by Jason Roberts