Theatre Royal Plymouth statue covered in 'mock police tape' as campaign raises awareness of closure

Theatre Royal Plymouth statue 'Messenger' covered in mock police tape as part of the scene change campaign. Pic credit Steve Haywood.
The Theatre Royal Plymouth's statue is covered in mock police tape. Credit: Steve Haywood

A statue outside Plymouth's Theatre Royal was today covered in 'mock police tape' as part of an art installation raising awareness of the closure of arts spaces.

As much of the UK's entertainment and hospitality industries prepare to open to customers from 4 July, theatres remain closed, unable to stage live performances.

As part of the 'scene change' campaign, staff wrapped the statue in pink barrier tape reading ‘Missing Live Theatre’.

Theatres across the country are facing cuts and closure. Credit: Steve Haywood

Other venues taking part include the National Theatre, Manchester Royal Exchange, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Lyric Belfast and Sherman Theatre.

A campaign spokesman said: “As businesses begin to reopen, the doors of theatres remain firmly shut, whilst we navigate a way back to live performance.

"Today as we launch #MissingLiveTheatre, we want to bring joy and colour to theatres across the UK and Ireland, whilst highlighting the ongoing impact of Covid-19, and what we as an industry and local communities are missing.”

The theatre announced this week that 100 jobs were at risk of redundancy after it lost 90% of its income because it has had to close because of Covid-19.

The Theatre Royal has received support from far and wide since the news broke, with actors who've starred at the theatre, including James Corden, who performed in One Man Two Guvnors there, tweeting about the proposed cuts.