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A West End theatre operator has welcomed tightened rules on mask-wearing in venues but warned new restrictions could "amplify concern" for some audience members.

Dame Rosemary Squire, joint chief executive of Trafalgar Entertainment, says she is "encouraged" the government has not extended the need for vaccine passports to theatres.

And she says daily testing instead of 10-day self-isolation for Covid contacts will be "hugely helpful to producers in keeping shows open and touring through the winter".

Her sector was ahead of the game in recommending that face-coverings should be worn in theatres, and the new rules give a "clear and consistent line on this issue", she says.

But she adds that mask wearing rules could also have "the potential for some customers simply to stay away over the crucial Christmas period".

The manager of Durham's Gala Theatre says his priority is the safety of staff and customers, as the wearing of face coverings in indoor public settings becomes mandatory.

The new coronavirus rules are part of the government's Plan B restrictions to combat the spread of the Omicron variant.

Face masks are now compulsory in most indoor public settings, except for pubs, restaurants and gyms.

Robin Byers said: "We recognise we need to have these measures in place and we want to make the audience feel safe and welcome and at home and able to enjoy theatre as they always have."

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However, Mr Byers admitted there had been some major changes this year, with some customers unwilling to visit the theatre.

"Some schools have preferred not to bring their kids out to our performances and they have cancelled their tickets or transferred them to next year's show," he said.

Theatre-goers are being told to wear masks as more measures come into place in England to buy the government more time to understand the threat of Omicron.

At Newcastle's Northern Stage there are fewer than 500 seats in the auditorium so audience members are not required to show a Covid passport - but they are being asked to wear masks.

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Executive director Kate Danby said: "We have been asking audience members to wear them even when seated since the start of our Christmas production earlier this month."