Key figures in the arts industry have welcomed a significant funding announcement by Hertsmere's MP and Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden.

Last night, the government announced a £1.57 billion support package to "protect" the future of Britain's museums, galleries and theatres.

Independent cinemas, heritage sites and music venues are also eligible for the emergency grants and loans.

In recent weeks, actors and arts lovers have been bombarding Mr Dowden with the word "theatre" on Twitter to highlight the plight of the industry.

While much of the economy - including pubs, restaurants and cinemas have been able to reopen in a socially-distanced form, live performance, including theatre, remains prohibited by Government guidelines.

Made In Dagenham and 1917 star Daniel Mays was among those who addressed the culture minister on Thursday, tweeting: "THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE THEATRE (you want another one Olly?) THEATRE! Do something @OliverDowden".

Former Eastenders actor Tamzin Outhwaite also sent a message to Mr Dowden, simply tweeting the word "theatre" 33 times.

Ms Outhwaite tweeted her thanks last night to Mr Dowden and Chancellor Rishi Sunak

Others sending similar tweets on Wednesday and Thursday included choreographer Matthew Bourne, actors Rufus Hound and Arthur Darvill and director Steven Kavuma.

The government says the £1.57 billion funding represents the "biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture" and will help struggling institutions "stay afloat while their doors are closed".

Arts Council England, the Royal Opera House, the Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre, and the Music Venue Trust were among those to welcome the funding.

Mr Dowden said he understood the "grave challenges" facing the arts sector and that the investment demonstrated the Government's "level of commitment" in supporting it.

He said last night: "A £1.57 billion emergency support package. Weeks in the making to make this world leading fund to help the arts weather the storm of Covid.

"I said I wouldn't let the arts down. Culture and the arts matter, and this government backs you."

But this morning, Mr Dowden warned that the return of theatre performances without social distancing remains "some way off".

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the relaxation of guidelines, such as on planes, has only been implemented in "exceptionally limited circumstances" and insisted "slow and baby steps" must be taken.

Borehamwood Times:

Mr Dowden also told BBC Breakfast it would be difficult to get theatres reopened in time for the Christmas pantomime season.

He added: "I would love to be able to announce that pantos can return but I have to say it will be quite challenging to be able to get to that point.

"Because if you think about a panto, and we all love going to the panto for the joy of it, but it also supports local theatres, you've got granny through to grandchild all packed in together, you know how kids are encouraged to shout and scream at panto season, there's lots of sort of interaction."

Mr Dowden said he is working with Public Health England to see if the risks can be mitigated but he wants "to be realistic about the challenges of getting us back to that point any time soon".