Will Boris raise the curtain on Lloyd Webber West End plan?
ANDREW Lloyd Webber has urged the Government to follow the example of South Korea to save the performing arts.
In a letter leaked to the Mail, the legendary composer warns Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden that theatres cannot re-open with social distancing measures in place.
Instead, Lord Lloyd-Webber has called for Britain to learn lessons from Seoul – where his most famous work, The Phantom of the Opera, is still going strong.
South Korea has had fewer than 300 coronavirus deaths, despite having a population of more than 50million. Lord LloydWebber’s letter states that the country’s system of testing, tracking and tracing to combat the virus represents the ‘beginning
‘Livelihoods have been shattered’
of a road map back to non-socially distanced live entertainment’. The plan offers the first blueprint – and first real glimmer of hope – for the beleaguered theatre sector.
It is understood to have been brought to the personal attention of the Prime Minister. ‘Boris wanted to see this as it is a rare shot of optimism for business,’ a Government source said.
Unlike those in Britain and abroad, theatres in South Korea have not all been mothballed due to the coronavirus crisis – although audience members must wear masks.
Automatic doors ensure contact is kept to a minimum, and no food or drink is on offer. Other safety measures include deep-cleaning, freely available hand sanitiser and PPE for staff.
All those attending the theatre have their temperature checked, in addition to regular testing for each production’s cast. Lord LloydWebber, 72, highlighted South Korea’s ‘traffic light’ system, which indicates the level of danger each individual faces. They must prove they are not at risk when ordering a ticket – and when they arrive to see a show. Australia is adopting a similar strategy.
Lord Lloyd-Webber also offered to put his companies and staff at ministers’ disposal to help find a technological solution. His intervention came as 245 leading musicians told MPs that their industry faces ‘annihilation’.
In a letter organised by George Michael’s former saxophonist Ed Barker, they warned the Treasury Select Committee that ministers had left musicians at the bottom of the list when it came to lifting the lockdown.
Former Cabinet minister David Davis said: ‘So many musicians’ livelihoods have been shattered. With the furlough scheme now extended to October, the selfemployed are right to ask why they are being treated so differently.
‘It’s time to ensure that we treat all workers fairly... paying particular attention to the entertainment industry where it will be impossible to enact social distancing.’