RSC to introduce mandatory Covid certification in response to Plan B

The Royal Shakespeare Company is introducing Covid certification for all adults attending its theatre, in an attempt to encourage confidence among audiences.

From December 15, all visitors over the age of 18 attending its current show, The Magician’s Elephant, will be required to show proof of double vaccination or evidence of a recent negative lateral flow test in order to enter the building.

This will apply to everyone apart from those who are exempt and covers performances only. It will not be in place for visitors to its shop, restaurant or box office outside show times.

The move is a response to the government’s move to Plan B, meaning Covid certification is introduced as a legal requirement in England for the first time. However, the government’s new guidance only relates to unseated venues with more than 500 people so does not cover seated theatre venues such as the RSC.

The company said it wanted "everyone to feel as confident as possible when visiting the theatre over the holiday period".

RSC executive director Catherine Mallyon added: "Whilst we are disappointed that the pandemic has again reached a point at which there is a requirement for increased measures, we understand the need for this latest legislation and are well prepared for this latest update, which is designed to slow the spread of the new variant Omicron.

"Our continued priority is to create the safest and most comfortable environment for people to work in and visit. Whilst, as an indoor seated venue, we remain legally exempt from new legislation around Covid passports, we want to do all we can to keep everyone safe and ensure that we are able to continue to perform and serve our audiences as we enter the holiday period."

The RSC already requires all audience members to wear face coverings during performances, a measure it introduced last week but that has now been made mandatory by the government.

It has not stated whether Covid certification will continue at its Stratford-upon-Avon home after the run of The Magician’s Elephant, which is due to continue performances until January 1.

Its next main stage production, Much Ado About Nothing, is scheduled to begin on February 4.