Lord Lloyd-Webber to personally bear losses until theatres fully reopen

Andrew Lloyd Webber has rejected the Prime Minister’s offer and will not take part in a Covid pilot scheme looking at the opening of theatres, unless the rest of the industry is treated equally.

Previously vowing to open to a full house ‘come hell or high water’, in a statement issued yesterday, the Sydmonton composer and theatre impresario announced he would comply with restrictions and preview his new show Cinderella in the West End on June 25, at 50% capacity, as he couldn’t risk the cast, crew, backstage staff and audience being potentially fined £500 each.

In a statement on his Twitter page, Lord Lloyd-Webber said: “After a long week of Government delay and confusion, I confirm that I cannot and will not take part in yet another pilot scheme around the reopening of theatres, as suggested by the Prime Minister on Monday.

“I have made it crystal clear that I would only be able to participate if others were involved and the rest of the industry – theatre and music – were treated equally. This has not been confirmed to me.

He continued: “It has become clear that, while sporting events like Wimbledon had obviously been working with the government for some time on this pilot, and were even able to start selling tickets yesterday, the theatre industry and its audiences is, once again, an afterthought and undervalued.”

A full statement from Lord Lloyd-Webber can be seen below.