Entertainment
Frozen’s Stephanie McKeon begs theatre-goers to wear masks at West End shows amid rising Covid rates: ‘Keep our productions running’
Disney’s Frozen is welcoming audiences at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane (Picture: Getty Images)
An actress starring in the West End’s production of Disney’s Frozen has begged theatre-goers to wear masks during the shows as the Covid infection rate continues to rise.
Stephanie McKeon is concerned that large numbers of the audience are not wearing face coverings while watching Frozen at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where she’s appearing as Anna in the Disney production.
There are fears of another lockdown this Christmas as Covid continues to spread rapidly. A Government minister recently warned that the country could shut down again like last Christmas if action isn’t taken promptly.
Masks are currently not mandatory in theatres or cinemas across England but are recommended in such crowded venues, including public transport.
Speaking on behalf of the theatre world, which has been one of the most impacted industries during the pandemic, Irish actress Stephanie tweeted on Sunday: ‘A plea to amazing London audiences: Please please please wear your masks in the theatre. We are working so hard on our end to ensure everyone is safe and to keep our shows running.
‘We would be so grateful if you could help us out and do your bit too. Thank you.’
Actress Stephanie McKeon said wearing masks will help save the theatre industry (Picture: @steph_mckeon, Twitter)
The Right Said Fred Twitter account seemed opposed to the idea (Picture: @thefreds, Twitter)
Stephanie was bombarded with messages from followers who have been wearing their masks while attending West End productions, even proudly sharing photos of themselves masked up.
Finborough Theatre supported her calls and replied: ‘Amen…And a mask can be a bit uncomfortable, sure, but intubation is worse!’
One follower said: ‘Well done and thank you for highlighting this. We all want to feel safe, support the theatre and encourage tourism which is a big part of our economy. Wearing a mask is such a small effort to make.’
Another said: ‘I went to the theatre yesterday for the first time since March 2020. I was horrified by how few people were wearing masks. Felt really uncomfortable.’
Stephanie (l) stars as Anna in the West End’s Frozen alongside Samantha Barks (Picture: Getty Images)
The theatre is only just getting back on its feet (Picture: Rex Features)
However, a tweet from the account of pop duo Right Said Fred, read: ‘No thanks,’ in response to Stephanie’s comment.
The actress replied via her Instagram stories referring to the group’s famous song: ‘“IIIII’m too sexy for.. a mask”. Apparently.’
Since the late summer, the West End has seen life breathed into the theatre industry after becoming one of the final venues to open following the lengthy winter lockdown.
However, another lockdown could cripple the struggling industry once again.
Theatre director Stephanie Kempson, 34, told the New York Times: ‘I’ve been getting nervous as people stopped wearing masks this autumn.
More: Coronavirus
‘I’ve been trying to pull favors so I can get into rehearsals to see things, and I’m trying to watch live streams, but often only one performance in a run is being live streamed now.
‘So socially distanced performances are the way to go for me. I have ME/CFS so I’m aware of what long Covid could be like.’
She added: ‘People are so excited to be back and I can forgive them for that, but it does seem there’s a lack of awareness and common-mindedness.’
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