The outbreak of Covid-19 could see theatre companies kiss autographs goodbye, according to Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The composer has suggested that in order to regain momentum in the theatrical world, face masks ought to be worn, and that actors’ will no longer be able to air kiss to celebrate a theatrical run, alongside other proposed changes.
Lloyd Webber, who owns The Really Useful Group in its entirety, has cancelled 27 of 31 intended productions this year in 15 countries. The shows include Cats, School of Rock and Phantom of the Opera among others. These closures have cost some £6 million in weekly box office sales, while Lloyd Webber’s company could see losses of up to £12 million.
While the composer does not receive a salary from the company, senior staff have consented to pay cuts of some 20 per cent. The company have urged MPs on the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee to consider the model being used in South Korea, who are still able to play to audiences of over 1,500 in spite of the pandemic.
In an official statement, the company announced that there ought to be "No signings at stage door after the show. An announcement is made at the beginning and end of the show to audience members advising that due to Covid-19 autograph signings are prohibited...
"Venue staff help police this rule after the show by asking any fans who may arrive at the stage door to disperse."
It concluded: "The industry needs to be able to plan and, in the absence of clarity about the end of lockdown and its permanency, West End Theatre will soon be in a position where significant government support is required for its survival."
