(Feb 14): Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer behind hit musicals including “Phantom of the Opera” and “Evita,” says the U.K. government needs to open up London theaters to prevent the industry from collapsing. Work for actors and musicians along with investment in future productions is at risk because ministers have kept quiet on how and when they might reopen public spaces after the pandemic, Lloyd Webber said. “I’ve never come across anybody in my 50-plus years working professionally in the theater who realizes exactly what a big hit musical or a big hit play brings back,” Lloyd Webber said. Even with some state support flowing to the industry, Lloyd Webber said he had to mortgage a home to help cover costs at theaters he owns. West End musicals must fill about 80% of their seats to be financially viable, according to Lloyd Webber.

Source: The Edge Markets February 14, 2021 09:45 UTC