Broadway to reopen in September
In light of today’s announcement from the Prime Minister, cinemas and bars can start reopening in England from 4th July. However, we wanted to let all our members and supporters know that we plan on reopening Broadway in September.
Why September?
Our recent annual survey listed a number of safety measures which could be in place upon reopening and asked respondents to prioritise which were most important to them. It’s clear from the feedback that you’re extremely eager to get back to us but that there were a number of areas that would make that first visit back even better.
These measures range from simple signposting of social distancing and antibacterial wash stations, to upgrading of our box office software so customers are able to easily book tickets in advance, order concessions in advance of arrival and check-in at the screen. With a range of measures to implement, we’ve been working hard in the building and with colleagues across the independent cinema sector to ensure that when the lights go down that our customers, tenants and staff feel comfortable and safe.
"we’re coordinating with other independent cinemas, distributors and funders to have a common approach to reopening in early autumn"
We also have to consider the programme we bring you when the curtains go up. Operating in the independent cinema sector means that we’re not as reliant on summer blockbusters as the larger multiplexes. In fact, summer can be relatively quiet for us, except that is for the outside terrace, so we’re coordinating with other independent cinemas, distributors and funders to have a common approach to reopening in early autumn. This means that when the doors open, they’ll be new content ready and available for viewing on the big screen.
Finally, Broadway may have relatively small premises but there’s a lot going on behind the scenes that cinema customers don’t see, but which are hugely important to us, such as our BFI supported film talent development initiatives, resident filmmakers and arts activities supported by Arts Council England. We need to make sure that all staff, tenants and participants in these initiatives are working, creating and learning in the safest possible environment.
"We also have exciting projects on the horizon such as our capital refurbishment project which is still moving forward and we’ll start sharing more information on how we’re preparing for that over the coming months"
What happens now?
Our social media channels are open, we’ll continue to contact you weekly with the latest films and exclusive offers, and we love to hear your film recommendations every Monday (yes, even if some of the films you’ve been watching have been less than…stellar 😊). We also have exciting projects on the horizon such as our capital refurbishment project which is still moving forward and we’ll start sharing more information on how we’re preparing for that over the coming months.
Finally…
This period of closure has had a huge financial impact on us and of course on audience confidence. We’re under no illusions that it will take time to recover. However, we will do everything we can to make Broadway as safe as possible and we know that you will continue to support us during that time.
Over the past few months hundreds of people have renewed or purchased memberships, bought a voucher or donated to us. It really has meant the world that you have taken the time to do this. Thank you.
We’ll be back…in September.
