Theatreland representatives were holding urgent talks with ministers today as the West End was hit by a flood of Covid cancellations.
Among the proposals being discussed was a demand for a return to furlough for cast and crew whose shows are being closed down.
The latest production to be hit was a performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella, which was cancelled at three hours’ notice last night after company members tested positive for Covid.
Also affected was the West End’s hottest ticket, Cabaret starring Eddie Redmayne, which was forced to call off performances this week.
Lloyd Webber said the industry faced being “decimated” as the huge surge in Covid cases forced shows to close.
Bookings have also slumped with audiences staying away rather than heading into the West End.
Theatres are still recovering from last year’s lockdown when venues were shut and the effect of the pingdemic which saw shows cancelled at short notice.
