National Theatre confirms cancellation of Death of England: Delroy from November 5

The National Theatre has emerged as one of the first casualties of the second planned lockdown, confirming performances of its production of Death of England: Delroy will be cancelled from November 5.

Boris Johnson today announced a second lockdown will begin on November 5 and run until early December.

Following the news, the National Theatre - which recently reopened its doors to audiences with Clint Dyer and Roy Williams’ play - confirmed the production would continue performances on November 3 and 4 as planned, but that dates from November 5 to 28 had been cancelled.

Informing audiences on Twitter, it said: “Following government advice about new national coronavirus measures, we must regrettably cancel performances of Death of England: Delroy from November 5 to 28. Performances on November 3 and 4 will go ahead as scheduled.”

It thanked audiences for “their support and patience during this period of disruption”.

Death of England: Delroy reopened the Olivier Theatre following seven months of closure on October 21.

The Olivier has been reconfigured for the production, which is staged in-the-round.

At a Downing Street press conference, prime minister Boris Johnson did not reference theatres by name but said entertainment venues would be among the businesses that must close to the public from November 5 until at least December 2.

Johnson confirmed that the government would extend the furlough scheme until December in response, however no details have yet been announced.

Responding, the Creative Industries Federation warned that the lockdown will have “huge ramifications across the creative industries, with many organisations in our sector once again needing to close their doors”.

Chief executive Caroline Norbury added: “The temporary extension of the furloughing scheme will provide short-term relief for many. However, it remains vital that there is parity between those on payroll and the self-employed, including the many who continue to fall through the gaps of government support. A third of the creative workforce is freelance, and many will see all of their work cancelled as a result of these new measures. They cannot be expected to live on 40% of their income or less, whilst colleagues on payroll receive 80%.”

She said the organisation would be “examining the detail of these restrictions and measures over the coming days, ensuring affected creative organisations in all parts of the UK are well-supported over the next month”.