'We don't know when we'll reopen' - Cambridge theatre nervously waits for further guidance before opening

A Cambridge theatre says it's nervously awaiting further guidance from the government about when it can reopen.

Cambridge Arts Theatre say it's been an uncertain time and they've been left living off their savings while the lockdown continues.

The theatre has been at the heart of the city since 1936, surviving World War Two, and has helped launched the careers of Ian McKellen, Derek Jacobi, Emma Thompson and Stephen Fry.

Chief Executive Dave Murphy spoke to ITV Anglia about the lockdown and the effect it's had on the theatre.

While morale at the theatre remains high, and autumn productions are planned, Mr Murphy says he wants more guidance as to when they can reopen, and what extra support they'll get while they remain closed.

He said: "We are nervously waiting for further guidance from the Government about when we will be allowed to operate. Once we are given the go ahead to operate, the critical issue will be the availability of suitable productions to put on our stage rather than the practical preparedness of our building."

The plight of the theatre is reflected across the region, with bosses at sites around the east asking for more help and guidance from government.

Mr Murphy said: "Given the absolute nature of the shutdown for our industry it will be very challenging for Theatres to bridge any gap between the end of the furloughing scheme and the earliest practical date that we can reopen. We will not be able to reopen whilst there are any meaningful social distancing measures in place. Our reopening is entirely dependent on the decline of COVID cases, the easing of lockdown restrictions and the willingness of our audience to return to the Theatre. The Government should help us until we are allowed to open our doors again."