Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

The cast of All the Angels, performing at Dublin's Smock Alley Theatre. Rough Magic Theatre Company

'It feels like we're the whipping boys': Venues and promoters scramble to implement new 50% capacity rule

Some venues have cancelled shows completely while others are adding additional performances and asking some ticketholders to change dates.

THEATRES, MUSIC VENUES and promoters say they have been “blindsided” by new Covid-19 restrictions on their industry as they try to come up with ways to implement the changed rules. 

From today, all indoor entertainment, cultural, community and sporting events that are indoors must operate at a maximum capacity of 50% and all of these events must now be fully seated. This restrictions are to remain in place until 9 January. 

Organisers were given just days to rearrange plans for events they had already sold tickets for at higher than 50% capacity, with some choosing to cancel or reschedule while others are scrambling to add additional performances or contacting customers asking them to move to a different date.

“It came as a real surprise. Uusually there’s be a sense from the government ahead of time what was going to happen but we had no indication they would go in that direction,” Lucy Ryan, director of programming at Dublin’s Smock Alley Theatre told The Journal.

“And in the phase before 22 October it was 60% capacity so it’s a bit frustrating that we’re not even where we were before. For us that’s a difference of 15 seats.”

The venue was already operating at 75% capacity, she said, to ensure patrons felt safe.

“Now we’re in a position where we have to move people out of performances. I can’t tell you how counter-intuitive that feels,” she said.

We are planning to put on some additional performances of All of the Angels [the current play at the theatre] and we’ll be contacting ticketholders to offer them those additional performances and then trying to move them. Some shows haven’t hit capacity yet so we’ll be asking people to move to those.

She said those working in the sector feel “very negative” as they were working hard to ensure theatres were safe, with social distancing, regular sanitising and ventilation.

“It feels like we’re the whipping boys in some way, that we’re an easy target,” she said.

Ryan said customers calling the box office in recent days have been “very understanding” but the changes will cost the theatre money and everyone is concerned about what might happen in the new year.

“It’s not just this Christmas period, we’re taking bookings for all of 2022. It’s exhausting for a sector that is overworked and underpaid anyway to have all of these hoops to jump through.”

Venues such as Dolan’s Pub in Limerick have said their phone lines have been “overwhelmed” with queries regarding gigs as they tried to come up with a last minute solution following the government announcement.

The pub said it is now “working on a system that is fair and workable” for gigs to go ahead at 50% capacity. 

While some organisers have decided to press ahead and ask some ticketholders to change dates or take a refund, others have had to cancel or refund all customers and ask them to buy new tickets for reduced capacity shows.

Aiken Promotions yesterday announced that upcoming Christy Moore concerts at Dublin’s Vicar Street are to be cancelled.

Last night’s show went ahead as planned, but fans who want to attend on 14 or 16 December or 3 or 9 January will have to buy their tickets again today. These shows will operate at 50% capacity.

Moore’s 8 December show was also cancelled and is not being rescheduled at 50% capacity.

Artists and performers have expressed their disappointment at having to cancel or reschedule shows, as they had waited months to take to the stage again.

Rock Band Ash informed fans yesterday that they would have to cancel shows in Limerick, Galway, Cork, Wexford, Dublin and Castlebar due to the new rule.

They said their management, agent and promoters were working on rescheduling dates.

Supports for the sector

The Abbey Theatre said it is also working through a plan for any performances that are already over 50% capacity and its box office will be contacting impacted ticket holders to arrange new tickets, a credit note or a refund.

“We had already capped capacity at 70% for both Faith Healer and The Long Christmas Dinner, so we are hopeful that we will be in a position to safely accommodate any affected patrons,” the theatre said.

“Faith Healer was postponed due to the closure of the theatre in March 2020. We are relieved to hear that we will be able to go ahead with performances of this production.”

The Abbey said its shows will go ahead as planned and will still require the same number of artists and staff to deliver them, even with 50% capacity.

The theatre said that while the new capacity limit will not impact on staffing or productions for the theatre, the limitation “will have a huge impact on other venues and other productions across the country”.

We stand in solidarity with the arts community and support the National Campaign for the Arts call for additional resources for those affected. The Abbey Theatre will continue to work to support artists, audiences, our team and the arts community, as we navigate this latest challenge together.

The government has promised supports for those impacted by the new restrictions. Minister Catherine Martin last week said she had secured an extra €25 million to support live entertainment, including venues, producers, promoters, artists, crews and nightclubs. 

Following a meeting between officials from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media with stakeholders yesterday, the National Campaign for the Arts said it welcomed supports but was “disappointed” that no assurance had been offered about what will happen after 9 January.

“What criteria are being applied to this decision-making process and what will inform a review of measures in January?” the NCFA asked.

In response to The Journal, Minister Martin’s department said the full new support scheme will be announced this week, “given the urgent situation now facing the entertainment sector”.

“Minister Catherine Martin TD, along with the Tánaiste hosted the Hospitality and Tourism Forum to speak directly to stakeholders and to hear what they need in terms of supports. The meeting was also attended by the Taoiseach and Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath. Representatives from the Arts and performance sector were also at the meeting.

“It is understood that a number of performance events will find it a challenge to run at 50% and some may cancel. Where events are proceeding it is a matter for venues to manage to capacities. With this in mind, financial supports have been developed to assist businesses in keeping afloat during this difficult time.”

The department also said those who lost jobs due to the new restrictions will be able to apply for the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP) from today.

“If additional Covid restrictions become necessary, government had planned for this and, as part of Budget 2022, Paschal Donohoe TD, Minister for Finance, has created a Covid contingency fund of €4 billionn,” the department added.

“This fund is to provide certainty and flexibility for the public finances should the situation with the virus deteriorate further. If further funding for live entertainment is required then Minister Catherine Martin TD will seek additional support from the Covid contingency fund.”

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
15 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eamon Mac Gowan
    Favourite Eamon Mac Gowan
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:39 AM

    People like him are the worst kind of exhibitionist freaks.
    Cringe inducing.

    719
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick Hurley
    Favourite Patrick Hurley
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:46 AM

    More preparation went in to making it about him than her.

    339
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute MaryLou(ny)McDonald
    Favourite MaryLou(ny)McDonald
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:03 PM

    Awww

    17
    See 6 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute MaryLou(ny)McDonald
    Favourite MaryLou(ny)McDonald
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:07 PM

    Aww

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cosmo Kramer
    Favourite Cosmo Kramer
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:14 PM

    And Today FM just happened to have a reporter on the ready for the big question.. Did he get in touch with Today FM before hand and let them know what he was planning? Absolute Clown!

    278
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Teddington
    Favourite Teddington
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:23 PM

    Sure leave them off, it’s not my cup of milk but that’s what makes life so interesting is the differences!

    118
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shawn Rahoon
    Favourite Shawn Rahoon
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:26 PM

    I believe they ran towards each other in slow motion. So romantic!

    109
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Allister
    Favourite Allister
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:40 PM

    Hope he kept the receipt for the fake tan….!

    108
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Brendan Mullen
    Favourite John Brendan Mullen
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 1:48 PM

    I’d

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Phil O' Meara
    Favourite Phil O' Meara
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:43 AM

    I wonder if he declared the diamond ring when arriving or strode through the green channel?

    312
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Murray
    Favourite Dave Murray
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:44 AM

    Will it be on that God awful programme on Sky One?

    106
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Keelan O'neill
    Favourite Keelan O'neill
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:30 PM

    Those shows are great.

    “You do realise this is a live turtle”

    “No not turtle. Herbal medicine, herbal medicine”

    128
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Murray
    Favourite Dave Murray
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:43 PM

    Ah sure I’m guilty of watching them myself ha ha.

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Robert Madden
    Favourite Robert Madden
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 9:24 PM

    Your man on that sky programme… “Don’t call me “Man” buddy..” Ridiculous.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Supernova
    Favourite Supernova
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:39 AM

    More shite.. Look at me! Look look were getting married.. Aren’t I special. Give me attention now

    235
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nigel Tuffnel
    Favourite Nigel Tuffnel
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 1:45 PM

    I’ve got to agree with you Nova, it’s screaming for attention, turning an already busy place even more busy with crowds of gawkers in force. In saying that goodluck to the two of them, just seems very contrived.

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Murray
    Favourite Dave Murray
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:41 AM

    Cringe

    162
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute TrudyFeltz
    Favourite TrudyFeltz
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:39 AM

    Well his tan looks great anyway

    150
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paudi Onail
    Favourite Paudi Onail
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 8:11 PM

    just makes him more full of it, I’m good at this sort of thing. trust me ; )

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The Green Monkey
    Favourite The Green Monkey
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:56 AM

    Cringeworthy…….

    111
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John
    Favourite John
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:01 PM

    Ehy?

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor Graham
    Favourite Conor Graham
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:51 AM

    Puke.

    95
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute CABK
    Favourite CABK
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:54 AM

    Absolute state of them both.

    82
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute The Green Monkey
    Favourite The Green Monkey
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:56 AM

    Cringeworthy……

    62
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute cp
    Favourite cp
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:59 AM

    So good you say it twice

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John
    Favourite John
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:01 PM

    Ha?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Al-Right
    Favourite Al-Right
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:56 AM

    Sorry Martin, Louse has been seeing Mark while you were away… oopss!

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute CABK
    Favourite CABK
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:05 PM

    She lives over there with him which just makes it more cringe! Waiting for an audience at arrivals!!! Public proposals are the worst!

    80
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute CABK
    Favourite CABK
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:06 PM

    She lives over there with him which just makes it more cringe! Waiting for an audience at arrivals!!! Public proposals are the worst!

    40
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Al-Right
    Favourite Al-Right
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:21 PM

    Wot? Where does it say that?

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paudi Onail
    Favourite Paudi Onail
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 8:12 PM

    probably with loads of women over he months prior to the flight. ya’d feel sorry for her but nah not really.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Donna Moss
    Favourite Donna Moss
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:46 AM

    Good luck to them.

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chief
    Favourite Chief
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:55 AM

    You are not allowed say nice stuff here Donna. The two people that just got engaged and spread a little happiness around are just too happy for peoples liking. This does not go down well with the miserable ba#$rds commenting above. So be warned. No more of that nice comment shite!

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Slim Browne
    Favourite Slim Browne
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:42 PM

    What if she said no ?? Big embarrassed head on him then

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Wallace
    Favourite Paul Wallace
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:43 PM

    What a Mangina

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Murray
    Favourite Dave Murray
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:46 PM

    Brennan has a margina, Brennan has a margina.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Andy Gibson
    Favourite Andy Gibson
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:41 PM

    The Today FM reporter is called Juliette GASH?! Oh my days!!!

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Live Long
    Favourite Live Long
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:09 PM

    Tantastic!

    35
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute seanie
    Favourite seanie
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:52 AM

    Haha miserable ba*t*rds here in comments.

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Malachi Shanks
    Favourite Malachi Shanks
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 2:08 PM

    You’d be raging if you were behind yer man in the queue and we’re going to do the same thing !

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute seanie
    Favourite seanie
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:51 AM

    Haha miserable bass%ards on the comments .

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chief
    Favourite Chief
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:56 AM

    Great minds think alike

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SandyfordAl
    Favourite SandyfordAl
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 2:51 PM

    Oh please, it’s all about me, everyone look at me. Attention seekers are so annoying

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Slim Browne
    Favourite Slim Browne
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:34 PM

    What if she said no ? Hed have some head on him then

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Slim Browne
    Favourite Slim Browne
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:36 PM

    What if she said no ? Hed have some head on him then
    What if she said no ? Hed have some head on him then

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michelle Wallace
    Favourite Michelle Wallace
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 1:25 PM

    Good god, you’re a right lot of begrudgers. Can’t we all just get along? You don’t even have to be happy for them, but do you have to be so mean? It’s Christmas, let’s spread a bit of Christmas cheer…. No?

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nigel Tuffnel
    Favourite Nigel Tuffnel
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 1:57 PM

    Bah humbug.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute seanie
    Favourite seanie
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:53 AM

    Haha miserable Scrooges here in the comments.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor Graham
    Favourite Conor Graham
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 11:56 AM

    You can say that again!

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute cp
    Favourite cp
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:00 PM

    And again

    37
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John
    Favourite John
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:00 PM

    Could you repeat that please?

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Slim Browne
    Favourite Slim Browne
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:32 PM

    What if she said no ?? Some head on him then

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joey Gee
    Favourite Joey Gee
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:26 PM

    This is the way the poor gaisun wanted to do it, must mean something to him (them).

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Craig Barry
    Favourite Craig Barry
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 6:31 PM

    W$nker

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paudi Onail
    Favourite Paudi Onail
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 8:13 PM

    totally

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Maurice Slater
    Favourite Maurice Slater
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 5:29 PM

    not my cup of tea kinda shows insecurity are just a show of,to me its a private matter between two people and not for public consumption for me first spoil your lady all day tell her about all the things why you fell in love with her, then take yourself and your intended to a place you both have never been before.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nigel Tuffnel
    Favourite Nigel Tuffnel
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 1:43 PM

    Juliette Gash?

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute TheGateFlorist
    Favourite TheGateFlorist
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:36 PM

    He has made her happy that’s all that counts. But could have had a big bunch of flowers in hand.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karl Monaghan
    Favourite Karl Monaghan
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 5:14 PM

    or even a ring!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan
    Favourite Alan
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 6:24 PM

    Must have a serious guilty conscience coming back from the holiday.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paudi Onail
    Favourite Paudi Onail
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 8:13 PM

    i bet he does i bet he does. a proper player.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Reese
    Favourite John Reese
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 4:35 PM

    Shaking head….the plonker has just given TV3 a new idea for an airport proposal show.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Slim Browne
    Favourite Slim Browne
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:36 PM

    Luvly

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute TheGateFlorist
    Favourite TheGateFlorist
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 12:37 PM

    He has made her happy, and that’s all we should care about.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nigel Tuffnel
    Favourite Nigel Tuffnel
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 1:49 PM

    Well we don’t know that for sure.

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kirsha Sova
    Favourite Kirsha Sova
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 8:56 PM

    Jayess everyone wants to put their life on show with the world watching ,get a life somethings should be private .

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean MacGabhann
    Favourite Sean MacGabhann
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 3:45 PM

    ‘Til never last.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kirsha Sova
    Favourite Kirsha Sova
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 8:57 PM

    I give it a year .

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karl Monaghan
    Favourite Karl Monaghan
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 5:10 PM
    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Karl Monaghan
    Favourite Karl Monaghan
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 5:11 PM

    why is his head half shaved??

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paudi Onail
    Favourite Paudi Onail
    Report
    Dec 18th 2015, 8:14 PM

    cos he’s a w@anker

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute niall fitzgerald
    Favourite niall fitzgerald
    Report
    Dec 19th 2015, 8:05 AM

    Juliette’s Gash, what.

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds