Coronavirus: Broadway to stay closed for rest of 2020

Broadway theatres will remain closed for the rest of this year, with shows expected to return on a rolling basis in early 2021.

The Broadway League has confirmed that performances will be suspended for the remainder of 2020 due to the coronavirus crisis, and has extended its refund and exchange period until January 3, 2021.

However, productions are not expected to return on this date, and are "projected to resume performances over a series of rolling dates" throughout the winter and spring of next year.

A statement said the Broadway League would continue to work with authorities and experts in science, technology and medicine on a plan to restart the industry, and is considering a number of measures for audiences and staff including screening and testing, additional hygiene measures and backstage protocols.

Broadway League president Charlotte St Martin said: "Our membership is working closely with the theatrical unions and in concert with key experts and some of the greatest minds inside and outside of the industry to explore protocols for all aspects of reopening.

"We are determined to bring back the people who rely on this industry for their livelihood, and to welcome back all those who love this vital part of New York City, as soon as it is safe to do so. As so many of us in the Broadway community have been saying during this time – we’ll be back, and we have so many more stories to tell."

Broadway performances were suspended on March 12, four days before those in the West End.

The Society of London Theatre is announcing West End closures on a monthly basis, with performances currently cancelled until August 3.