Andrew Lloyd Webber faces backlash as Boris Johnson hints they're 'in talks'
Andrew Lloyd Webber, 73, has come under fire from social media users after Boris Johnson, 56, hinted during his nationwide address on Monday evening that his latest version of Cinderella might be able to open within the next four weeks, despite Freedom Day being pushed back from 21 June to 19 July. It comes after Lloyd Webber admitted that if the Government doesn’t open the theatres properly soon, he would either risk arrest or have to sell his.
Speaking to the nation, Boris revealed that he had been “in talks” with the Cats composer following his comments about the impact of a delay to the roadmap to his productions and the wider theatre ecosystem.
And following the push back to lifting the last phase of lockdown, the decision could have an even more drastic impact on the performing arts sector.
Cinderella was set to open in previews later this month at capacity, with the Prime Minister saying: “We’ll do whatever we can to make it work – there are some pilot events we hope to have go ahead within the next four weeks.”
Andrew Lloyd Webber has since responded to the news, taking to his social media to share his response.
“My goal is to fight for the full and safe reopening of theatre and live music venues up & down the country,” he said.
