Show must go on: Andrew Lloyd Webber guides Charles and Camilla around refurbished theatre
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall were given a tour showcasing the £60 million renovation of a London West End theatre by its owner, Andrew Lloyd Webber, on Wednesday.
The couple toured the renovated Theatre Royal Drury Lane with Lord Lloyd-Webber, his wife Madeline and Simon Thurley, the chairman of the Lloyd Webber Theatre Restoration Project. The theatre now boasts the biggest stage in London.
Touring the auditorium, Charles asked when Frozen, a stage adaptation of the hit Disney film, would be able to open.
Referencing the continued setbacks caused by the Covid pandemic, Lord Lloyd-Webber joked: "Probably 2040," to which Charles replied: "It's what we call 'put on ice'."
The couple enjoyed a brief afternoon tea on the balcony before unveiling a plaque to commemorate the revamp.
Lord Lloyd-Webber has announced plans to mark the "triumphant and hopeful return of live music, theatre and entertainment" with a UK tour and album.
Three newly orchestrated symphonic suites from his musicals Evita, The Phantom Of The Opera and Sunset Boulevard will be performed by an 81-piece orchestra conducted by long-time collaborator Simon Lee.
The show will open at London's Royal Festival Hall on Sep 8 and tour the UK in 2022, using local orchestras in cities including Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff. It will be accompanied by an album recorded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Orchestra.
Lord Lloyd-Webber said: "For over a year now, we have lived without the joy of live music.
"As we fight to bring performers back to work and theatres back to life, I hope that this album might now take on a new meaning – the music which represents the triumphant and hopeful return of live music, theatre and entertainment across the world.
"It is wonderful and very moving for me to see brilliant musicians back where they belong."
