Member Article

World's First COVID Safe Drive-In Theatre Venue Launched in Manchester

Creators of immersive musical theatre productions, Beyond Theatre, have created the world’s first Covid compliant drive inside theatre venue in Manchester.

With the lockdown imposed just days before the UK premiere of their new immersive musical, The White Witch, the team at Beyond Theatre, have put their talents to use by creating Drive Inside, a Covid compliant venue concept that will house live theatre and music.

One of Beyond Theatre’s creators, Paul Levin, explained the concept: “People love live music, ballet, opera and theatre, but they need to be completely confident that a venue is absolutely, rather than probably, Covid safe. This virus has affected the future of our creative arts and we are excited that Driveinside will allow the industry to start getting back to some sort of normality and audiences to begin enjoying live performances again.”

With a raised stage in the centre of the Megatented venue, cars are directed to their dedicated space. Audiences may alight only on the driver’s side entering their own isolated area. Using folding chairs, which are readily available, audience members can leave their cars and soak up the atmosphere generated from a live show. There will always be a car between parties, and this gives a disciplined compliance to social distancing. The sides of the Megatent are mainly unenclosed.

Taking account of the uncertain UK weather, the venue is covered by Europe’s largest Megatent . A tented span covering over 70,000 sq ft, which will protect the audience capacity of 800 and performers alike. The venue is licensed and has full catering facilities.

The first Drive Inside venue is located in the centre of Manchester, and the company has plans to travel to London and Edinburgh.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Heather Astbury .