West End theatres can reopen in December after national lockdown

London has been placed in "tier two" of the three coronavirus tiers.

UPDATE: On 14 December, it was confirmed that London would be in "tier three", the highest tier of coronavirus restrictions. As a result, all theatres are forced to suspend performances from 16 December.

Following Boris Johnson's speech on Monday in the House of Commons, details have been announced for the future of West End theatres. As London has been placed in "tier two", London theatres will be given the green light to reopen, allowing all performances previously scheduled for December to go ahead.

West End shows can now open in December 2020. Discover 10 shows which will be opening in December.

All performances will have to open under new guidelines, including a venue capacity restriction that is either the lowest of 1000 attendees or 50% of maximum audience levels.

Before the national lockdown began on 5 November, West End theatres were able to reopen with socially distant performances. This included audience members wearing face masks, as well as distanced seating arrangements.

The three tier system will be reintroduced next week, with performances going ahead in London from 3 December. Each fortnight, local updates will be given, which could impact London's theatres at a later date.