All six of Nimax Theatres' West End venues will be back in business following a phased programming of reopening starting on 22 October.
The Apollo Theatre will be the first to open with This is Going to Hurt written and performed by Adam Kay.
Kay said, "it's extremely heartening that Theatreland is starting to gear up again. The people you see on stage are the very tip of the theatre iceberg—behind the scenes are hundreds of hard-working staff from electricians to stage managers to lighting techs to box office to carpenters—huge numbers of whom fell between the gaps of government support. I'm very proud to return to the West End, following the extraordinary efforts of Nimax to do so in a way that's safe for staff and theatregoers alike, and doubly proud to open the run with a free show for NHS staff, who can clearly do with a night out more than anyone."
The first performance on 22 October is free for NHS staff only who can apply for tickets by ballot.
All the Nimax theatres will operate with 'social distancing' and in compliance with COVID-19 secure guidelines. There will be reduced capacity audiences and each venue will make a loss.
In running the shows at a loss, Nimax has made a choice between funding redundancies brought about by the conclusion of the furlough scheme and backing employment. The strategy should save some 355 jobs, whilst also stimulating business around the theatres, fulfil demand for live performances and build consumer confidence.
Details regarding other venue openings have not yet been released but will include the Vaudeville Theatre showing Magic Goes Wrong and the Duchess Theatre showing The Play That Goes Wrong. The Palace Theatre, home to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, will not reopen until the venue can reach full capacity.