Cinderella will go to the ball, Andrew Lloyd Webber guarantees it. In fact, he is willing to go to jail if authorities try to stop the show going ahead as planned.
The West End production of Cinderella will open on June 25th, just four days after all restrictions lift. The theatre industry is on its knees, with Lloyd Webber admitting he may have to sell his six theatres if the Government does not go ahead as planned. He already remortgaged his home.
Although the world premiere is not scheduled until July, the previews of Cinderella are set to open in two weeks. Andrew says these will go ahead “come hell or high water”. When asked how he will react to authorities trying to stop his show, Sir Lloyd Webber replies “they will just have to come and arrest us”
Concerns are circling about a potential delay in opening due to rising Covid cases in the local area. However, any delays in reopening the entertainment industry will be “catastrophic”. Lord Lloyd Webber is not only willing to go to jail for reopening, but he is prepared to raise a legal case against the Government if they “ignore their own science”.
Cinderella was due to reopen in August last year, but it was delayed, rescheduled for its opening night on July 14th at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.
Cinderella will not cause Covid outbreak – nor any shows
Talking to Radio 4 on Wednesday, Andrew Lloyd Webber told the Government to stop “penalising the live music and theatre sector”. Insisting that the theatres can open “safely”, as shown by local pilot events.
However, the Government is yet to publish the results of its pilot test at the Brits last month. A live audience was allowed with strict Covid control measures.
Robert Jenrick, Communities secretary, says he “completely sympathises” with the theatre mogul, and everyone in the sector. Explaining that they want to get theatres open and let “new productions like Cinderella open” but he calls for patience.
We have just a few more days until the “judgement” day by the Prime Minister. Any ruling will be made based on the data collected over the last few days. Sky News asked whether Sir Lloyd Webber will be arrested if he does try to open the theatres prior to restrictions opening. While he did not confirm that he would, he did state “we all have to abide by the rules.”
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