The government has announced a £1.5 billion package to help save the arts - but it is not yet clear what that means for amateur theatres.

While amateur theatres do not have to pay their staff, they still have to maintain their buildings, which costs a significant amount.

The Teddington Theatre Club perform at Hampton Hill Theatre and Chairman Cath Messum has given her views on the latest government plans.

She said: "We're looking for more clarification from the government.

"We're not in the same position as professional theatres but we do still need the funds.

"Audiences need to be allowed back in theatres in the next couple of months so we can keep going."

There then is also the issue of how many people will be allowed back in auditorium's.

Hampton Hill Theatre can hold around 200 people - but social distancing being enforced means that number could be cut by 75 percent.

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Cath added: "At 2m our audience would be at around 25 percent which would not really be viable.

"At 1m we could have up to 50 percent of people back in the auditorium.

"Hopefully the government will put more research and effort into finding ways to get theatres back open."

Rehearsals for plays are also difficult as actors would need to be in close proximity to one another.

Musicals are also definitely off the cards as the government advises a 3m distance when signing as it increases the spread of the virus.

You can find out more about Teddington Theatre Club HERE