- Title: Andrew Lloyd Webber cancels "Cinderella" shows, blaming UK government
- Date: 19th July 2021
- Summary: MAN WEARING FACE MASK OUTSIDE THEATRE TICKET SALES SHOP PEOPLE OUTSIDE DISCOUNT THEATRE TICKET SHOP PRICES FOR THEATRE TICKETS ON DISPLAY
- Embargoed: 2nd August 2021 18:59
- Keywords: Andrew Lloyd Webber COVID Cinderella coronavirus production theatre
- Location: VARIOUS
- City: VARIOUS
- Country: United Kingdom
- Topics: Arts/Culture/Entertainment,Europe,Theatre
- Reuters ID: LVA004EMICH8T
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: PLEASE SEE EDIT 1204-HEALTH-CORONAVIRUS/CINDERELLA-LLOYD WEBBER FOR ON CAMERA STATEMENT BY LLOYD WEBBER
Musical theater impresario Andrew Lloyd Webber on Monday (July 19) closed his new London production of "Cinderella" the day before it was due to open after a cast member tested positive for the coronavirus.
Lloyd Webber did not announce a new opening date, blaming "impossible conditions" imposed by the British government.
It was not immediately clear whether the entire production had been cancelled or whether it might open at a later date.
The modern twist on "Cinderella" was due to open in London on Tuesday (July 20), a high-profile new stage show following the closure of theaters for almost 18 months because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Lloyd Webber, the creator of hit shows including "Cats" and "Phantom of the Opera," is one of the most influential and successful figures in the theater world and had been a key voice in urging support for theater during the pandemic.
With music by Lloyd Webber and a story by Oscar-winning screenwriter Emerald Fennell, "Cinderella" had already suffered several delays due to changing restrictions ordered by the British government around quarantine, social distancing, and capacity in indoor entertainment venues.
The government on Monday ended over a year of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions in England but the so-called 'Freedom Day' was marred by surging infections, warnings of supermarket shortages and Prime Minister Boris Johnson's own forced self-isolation.
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