The government has announced that they are to give £1.57 billion pounds of funding to the UK’s culture sector.

In his statement, the Prime Minister, Mr Boris Johnson said: “This money will help safeguard the sector for future generations ensuring arts groups and venues across the UK can stay afloat and support their staff whilst their doors remain closed and curtains remain down.”

Local theatres have expressed their views on the Government’s announcement on this extra funding for the UK’s culture sector which includes music venues and museums. Bosses at Altrincham Garrick were delighted at the news.

Manager Neville Roby said: "Along with many relieved theatres and other cultural establishments the Altrincham Garrick Playhouse welcomes the governments support package of £1.57 billion at a time when so many theatres face such uncertain times.

“Altrincham Garrick is fortunate in having such great support from the local community whose generous donations are going a long way in securing the theatre’s future. Our theatre remains unsure if much of this financial help will filter down to them. It is therefore crucial that we are given immediate guidance when social distancing will be phased out so we get back to what we do best - presenting great live local theatre once again.”

Julia Fawcett, the chief executive of the Lowry said: “This is welcome news, but we are fast running out of time.

“This lifeline will come too late for some organisations who have already been forced to close their doors for good or made valued employees redundant. The priority must be to get these much-needed funds to the organisations most at risk – and fast. “

From the amateur point of view, the situation is bad but not too bad.

Anita Partridge, the chairman of Stretford and Urmston Musical theatre said that although the shutdown was inconvenient, it wasn’t costing them anything.

“I think the professional theatre desperately needs the money. It is their livelihood,” she said.

“For us it is very inconvenient and we cannot do anything until social distancing ends but the sites are available to us. We use schools and leisure centres. The professional theatre is going to be bankrupted even with the money they are going to get.”

Dave Moutrey, chief executive of HOME, Manchester said:“We look forward to further announcements on how these funds will be distributed to support the organisations and freelance artists who make UK culture a watchword for excellence.”