Andrew Lloyd Webber has postponed the opening of his latest musical, a new adaptation of Cinderella, saying that he has no idea when it will open because of “impossible conditions” imposed by the British government.
Lloyd Webber told reporters that one cast member had tested positive for coronavirus, and under current rules around quarantine and isolation for the remainder of the actors - all testing negative - meant the show could not open as planned on Tuesday.
In the statement released to the press, Andrew Lloyd Webber said: “I have been forced to take the heart-breaking decision not to open my ‘Cinderella’. The impossible conditions created by the blunt instrument that is the government’s isolation guidance mean that we cannot continue."
The modern twist on “Cinderella” was a high-profile new musical following the closure of theatres for almost 18 months because of 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.
