EXCLUSIVE: ‘Disastrous’ one metre rule for performers in Scotland

A one metre social distancing rule for performers in Scotland will be "a disaster" for the recently reopened sector.

New guidance – introduced in the final days of Edinburgh Fringe – says performers must keep a one metre distance unless they are masked or there is a partition separating them from others.

ArtsProfessional understands Creative Scotland and the Federation of Scottish Theatre are seeking urgent meetings with the Scottish Government to discuss the rule, which they were not consulted on.

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The guidance, which applies to rehearsals and live performances, is difficult to enact on stage and nearly possible to enforce in tight off stage areas.

It could be a huge financial blow for Scotland's live sector.

"It's a disaster," Tron Theatre Director Andy Arnold told us.

"It means a massive restriction in the way theatre can be performed in Scotland. Some productions will be lost.

"Commercial theatres in Scotland are already in a dire situation because Scotland was taking so long to make seating arrangements that that a lot of touring theatres just didn't come."

Social distancing only ended in the country on August 9, and many venues have lost nearly 18 months' income.

A Creative Scotland spokesperson commented: "We continue to work closely with the Scottish Government and representatives from the culture sector, like the Federation of Scottish Theatre, to ensure that these challenges are fully considered as lockdown restrictions are eased, whilst remaining in line with public health advice."

The Scottish Government did not answer questions about whether it would change its guidance or provide financial support.

Contrary to the sector's alarm, a spokesperson says it was engaged on "this and other matters" relating to the Covid-19 recovery.

"We are listening to their concerns and we are quickly reviewing the regulations with a view to ensuring their needs are met while balancing the risk to public health."

Déjà vu

Capacity for public spaces like theatres is currently capped in Scotland at 2,000 people indoors and 5,000 outdoors.

Theatregoers must wear a mask but those attending nightclubs are exempt, a distinction Arnold said is baffling.

He has written to Scottish Culture Secretary Angus Robertson to question the thinking behind this:

"The huge irony is that while night clubs were at the end of the queue and, even under level 0, had to remain shut, they can now function without any masks or social distancing if patrons are on the dance floor or in the bar – which is effectively everywhere apart from the toilets."

Tron Theatre was planning to introduce daily lateral flow tests for all cast and crew and new sanitising procedures.

Now the reintroduction of barriers to performance "throws our work into chaos".

Arnold, who was at the forefront of a push to get a two-metre rule for audiences revoked in April, said he is disappointed the Scottish Government has once again introduced changes without warning.

"It's a complete throwback and I just don't understand it. Suddenly a curveball has been thrown our way with no end date."

Touring troubles

The new guideline will be especially problematic for touring productions used to less stringent guidelines elsewhere.

There are no such restrictions in England, meaning shows visiting Scotland will have to be restructured to meet local guidelines and vice versa.

Tron Theatre has just contracted 11 actors for a production to coincide with COP26, the United Nations' climate change conference being hosted in Glasgow.

"That production will be put in jeopardy by this new restriction," Arnold said.

There are about 15 producing and recieving theatres in Scotland for whom the rule could be a major obstacle.

Arnold added: "Obviously it can be done but it's very limitng."

Save the Fringe

On Tuesday (August 24), Edinburgh Festival launched a £7.5m fundraising campaign to address the impact of Covid-19.

Save the Fringe will be driven by seven principles: supporting artists and venues, removing barriers to participation, instilling sustainable practices, creating networking opportunities, deepening engagement with Edinburgh residents, especially young residents, and securing a new home for the Fringe Society.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society Chief Executive Shona McCarthy said Fringe has experienced huge losses over the past 18 months and worked hard to put on the 2021 festival.

"It can't be stressed enough: this does not mean the Fringe is back to health. 2021’s scaled-back event only happened because of emergency grants, and in many cases, loans that now need to be repaid. We want to ensure the Fringe that returns reflects the world we live in – not just those who can afford to keep going.

“Recovery isn’t about going back to how things were. It’s about reimagining the Fringe as the best version of itself and using this moment of pause to reflect and change."