NORTH-EAST theatre bosses have spoken out as fears over a delay in the easing of Covid restrictions emerge.

While indoor entertainment venues were able to reopen from last month at reduced capacity, the restrictions meant it was not financially viable for many theatres.

There are now doubts surrounding the June 21 full reopening amid concerns of Covid variants, with scientists split on the easing.

Andrew Lloyd Webber has reportedly raised the prospect of taking legal action against the Government if theatres are not allowed to reopen at full capacity from June 21.

The composer and impresario raised concerns that a delay in England’s reopening could prove to be “the final death blow” for the beleaguered sector.

Lord Lloyd-Webber told the Daily Mail if theatres are blocked from a full reopening, the issue becomes “what is the legality of the whole thing?”.

He said: “If the Government’s own science has told them that buildings are safe … I’m advised that at that point things could get quite difficult.

“This is the very last thing that anybody wants to do, but there would become a legal case at that point because it’s their science – not ours. I would passionately hope that we don’t have to, but I think we would have to consider it.”

Lord Lloyd-Webber, 73, said he is happy to ask theatre-goers to wear masks and pointed to the success of the Government’s indoor events trials.

He cited the example of the World Snooker Championships at Sheffield’s Crucible and said it had “shown there is no increased risk of transmission of Covid in a theatre”.

Bosses at the Majestic Theatre in Darlington are "desperate" to host shows at full capacity.

Hayley Thompson, Lyall events and entertainment director, which runs the 94-year-old venue, said: "As an independent theatre who was declined the recovery grant both times, it is vital that we can run our venue at a full capacity.

"Not only for us but also for any visiting companies who also depend on ticket sales, especially as most of our industry is self employed."

The theatre employs 11 people to work in roles across front of house, box office, technical and backstage, but shifts for depend on shows being put on.

Thompson added: "This venue is run by three people who simply fell in love with it, along with our amazing, hardworking staff.

"These jobs are flexible which relies on the events to take place at our venue.

"We are desperate for full capacity so that our staff can be given a wage and love working here."

Some theatres have held out for restrictions to fully ease as per the road map.

Newcastle's Theatre Royal is set to reopen next month.

Chief executive Philip Bernays said: "We are thrilled to be reopening on July 12 with the smash hit musical SIX! – and it is virtually sold out so the public are clearly as excited as we are.

"It is not financially viable for us to open with socially distanced audiences and we appreciate nothing is certain; if the government do move the date back, our audiences get a guaranteed rescheduled ticket or refund.

"However, for now nothing has changed and we are busy polishing everything at the theatre to make sure we can give a sparkling night out."