THERE was an excellent letter in the paper on Wednesday from Eric Jones about how the theatres seem to be a complete blind spot for the Government.

Absolutely right, Eric. First of all, through all the Government sympathy and help for various types of business, theatres have been completely ignored, almost as if they were invisible.

Many have now closed for good, and many staff have been made redundant in those struggling on. Then, we heard that cinemas, pubs and restaurants could open, but not theatres.

Then, we heard that theatres could open, but wait for it… offer no live performance.

So what’s the difference between cinemas opening and theatres opening? Both will have to provide a safe, socially-distanced environment.

The Government says that the actors won’t be able to distance, and that they can’t wear masks so somehow they might breathe on the audience.

Total tosh! Like the film and TV industry has learnt, actors can socially distance on stage. (I sell one-actor shows – no problem there!)

We are moving to one metre distancing and the Government has never had the courage to make masks compulsory.

We are not asking for any special treatment or exemptions. Just treat theatre the same as everybody else, or you will kill it stone dead.