Andrew Lloyd Webber: “West End theatre is a global business”

The cultural impersario has spoken about the future of London's theatre.

Often seen leading the industry during the Coronavirus pandemic, Andrew Lloyd Webber has spoken about the necessity of London theatres opening soon. In an interview with Bloomberg, Webber had said the UK government needs to open theatres to prevent the entire industry from collapsing.

Each month, closed theatres are costing Webber £1 million, with Webber saying: "No business can sustain that sort of level of outgoing... Having been a cheerleader, saying that we must get back, we will get back, I'm worried now."

Continuing on the popularity of West End shows, he stated: ""Theatre is a global business, and why would you open it in London if you feel that the government is not really behind it? ... Musicals have got to really be repaying an investment. If we are stuck at 50% social distancing or something, we can't operate."

Currently, all West End theatres are closed, with performances suspended across the capital. Although no set date has been confirmed for reopening theatres, plans for a gradual path out of lockdown will be announced on 22 February, which may include the future of West End theatres.

The world premiere of Webber's newest musical, Cinderella, is due to begin performances at the Gillian Lynne Theatre this April. Carrie Hope Fletcher will play Cinderella, with Cinderella tickets on now. Other LW Theatres productions include The Phantom of the Opera and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Previously, Webber was a part of the AstraZeneca vaccine trial and has also stated that he's happy to lend his theatres to becoming vaccination centres. Read how London theatres are helping the fight against Coronavirus. 

^{Photo credit: Andrew Lloyd Webber (Photo by opendemocracy on Flickr under CC 2.0)}