In fairness to the government they cant just give a firm yes or no until it's clearly safe to do so, which it obviously isnt. Viruses are unpredictable and nobody knows how this is going to change from one week to another never mind in 5 months time. The other issue with panto is even if the go ahead is given in August, panto happens in the middle of winter and flu season. If a second wave comes over autumm and winter theatres could be shut anyway even if a go ahead is given in the summer meaning money will be spent and wasted on rehearsals, marketing etc. It's a very very difficult situation to manage and know what the right thing to do is. They will be damned if they do open and outbreak worsens, and damned if they dont and theatres close.

they should however give financial support in the meantime as theatres cant social distance and still be financially viable. Unlike cinemas, theatres have to have a certain number of people at each performance to make money. Cinemas can just have more showings throughout the day as the film has already been made.