12.—(1) A person taking part in a theatrical performance may, without holding a firearm certificate, have a firearm in his possession during and for the purpose of the performance.
(2) A person taking part in the production of a film intended for public exhibition may, without holding a firearm certificate, have a firearm in his possession for the purpose of the production.
(3) Where the Secretary of State is satisfied, on the application of a person in charge of a theatrical performance or the production of a film intended for public exhibition, that a prohibited weapon is required for the purpose of the performance or production, the Secretary of State may authorise—
(a)that person to have possession of the weapon; and
(b)such other persons as that person may select to have possession of it while taking part in the performance or production.
(4) In this paragraph—
“film” includes any record, however made, of a sequence of visual images, which is a record capable of being used as a means of showing that sequence as a moving picture; and
“theatrical performance” includes rehearsals.