I think being overly naive whilst trying to say it's positive is almost as unbearable as the negativity. I prefer to keep as close to the middle as possible. People need to stop saying 'oh that's months away' or the best one yet 'casting can be announced two days before rehearsals if need be'. Surely everyone understands you can't decide on Monday you are going to go ahead with a pantomime, announce your cast on Tuesday, start rehearsals on Friday, and open two weeks later. A lot of the time it's the casting that drives the sales (particularly with the 'big' venues like the Palladium etc). It may well be that producers are hanging on to the last possible minute to make a decision (but this won't be as late as Autumn) because we are all aware an entire season cancelled will be terrible for finances and we may even see some companies have to reduce the theatre's they use in the next season and some may even have to close their business altogether. As much as I too hope a season will go ahead as normal - I personally am of the view that I am expecting it not to and be surprised if it does rather than disappointed if it doesn't. They will have to take into account as well that even if theatres are allowed to open, members of the public will likely be put off going to enclosed spaces and if theatres have to reduce capacity - will that really be viable financially? I saw Christopher Biggins has all but refused to take part this year due to his own welfare concerns. The honest answer is none of us know until statements are made, but I really think we need to stop berating people for what is, unfortunately as it is, realism. For the record, I am not 'being negative' and I hope things are back to normal as much as anyone, but realistically? I doubt it.