Entertainment
Andrew Lloyd Webber might not get arrested after all as he reacts to Boris Johnson’s hint Cinderella may go ahead
![Andrew Lloyd Webber](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/SEI_81546170.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=960)
Andrew Lloyd Webber has reacted to Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s suggestion his production of Cinderella may be exempt amid the latest delay in the easing of restrictions.
After insisting he was prepared to be arrested should he not be allowed to re-open his theatres, the stage stalwart said he was ‘pleased and surprised’ for his show to be name-dropped by the PM in Monday night’s Downing St briefing.
In a blow to many who were hoping to head back to the theatre, after doors were shuttered due to the pandemic last year, June 21’s ‘Freedom Day’ was delayed for four more weeks – and none were perhaps more fearing of the anticipated news than Lloyd Webber.
He’d previously insisted he’d be opening his production of Cinderella on June 25 ‘come hell or high water’ – or would consider legal action – also stating when asked what he would do if the government postponed lifting lockdown: ‘We will say: “Come to the theatre and arrest us.”’
Thankfully he might actually be able to unlock those doors.
Mr Johnson said he has ‘colossal’ admiration for Lloyd-Webber and added he thinks there are talks ongoing to try to make his latest production work.
He said on Monday evening: ‘I’ve got colossal admiration for Andrew Lloyd Webber. The entire theatre sector is one of the great glories of this country.
![Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella.](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GettyImages-1228585630.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=1024)
‘It’s broken everybody’s heart to see what we’ve had to go through and I bitterly regret the fact that we must be cautious again now.’
Adding there are some pilot events that he hopes will go ahead even in the next four weeks, Mr Johnson said: ‘And, actually, on Cinderella and Lord Lloyd-Webber’s latest production, I think we’re in talks with him to try to make it work and we’ll do whatever we can to be helpful.’
Cinderella was due to open for previews later this month, before its world premiere in July.
![Boris Johnson confirms four week Freedom Day delay from June 21 to July 19](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/06/14/18/44214157-0-image-a-142_1623690765633.jpg)
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Reacting to the comments, Lloyd Webber said in a statement: ‘My goal is, and will always be, to fight for the full and safe reopening of theatre and live music venues up and down the country.
‘I was pleased and surprised to hear the Prime Minister mention Cinderella as part of his announcement today, but I can’t comment further on the proposed pilot until I know more about the scheme.’
It came after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer addressed Lloyd Webber’s earlier comments, insiting on LBC: ‘I have to tell him to obey the rules and obey the law, of course I do. But I do understand the frustration.’
That was echoed by Sir Ian McKellen on Monday night’s The One Show, who might have backed the composer’s ‘passion but wasn’t on board his attitude towards being arrested.
He said: ‘If you compose music, you could, couldn’t you, be happy in prison? But who am I going to act for there when I’m in there? It wouldn’t work for me.’
When pushed further on the sentiment of Lloyd Webber’s protestations, Sir Ian agreed with him – but only so far.
He commented: ‘He’s right to get – if not angry – passionate, because he cares about it.
‘He owns theatres, he’s got great shows and audiences are dying to see them and so it’s all very, very frustrating and so I suppose he sums up that frustration. But prison’s going a bit far.’
MORE : Andrew Lloyd Webber ‘considers legal action’ if reopening of theatres is delayed further
![](https://futuretechtrends.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Black-White-Penguin-Design-Brand-Identity-for-Clothing-Fashion-Logo-200-×-40-px-600-×-40-px-600-×-75-px.png)