Andrew Lloyd Webber volunteers for experimental COVID-19 study working towards a vaccine: ‘I’ll do anything to prove that theatres can re-open safely’
Andrew Lloyd Webber is walking the talk in the effort to stamp out COVID-19 and reverse widespread closures in the wake of the pandemic.
On Wednesday, the world-renowned composer took to his media platforms and announced that he will take part in an experimental study that’s working towards a coronavirus vaccine.
‘I am excited that tomorrow I am going to be vaccinated for the Oxford Covid 19 trial,’ Weber shared on Twitter and Instagram before revealing one of his motivations for taking part in the study.
‘I’ll do anything to prove that theatres can re-open safely.’
Walking the talk: Andrew Lloyd Webber, 72, announced her will take part in a University of Oxford study that’s working towards find a vaccine for COVID-19
The University of Oxford and the drug company AstraZeneca are working on the development of the experimental vaccine called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19.
Thousands of people the UK, United States, Brazil and South Africa have volunteered to take part in clinical trials.
As recently as July 20, researchers announced the initial results of 1,077 people were promising, suggesting that the vaccine is both safe and triggers an immune response, according to the BBC.
Race for the vaccine: The world-renowned composer took to his media platforms and announced he’s taking part in an experimental study that working towards a vaccine
COVID-19 crisis: Webber, whose illustrious composing career includes Cats, will likely take part in the expansion of the study by University of Oxford and the drug company AstraZeneca
The next step in the study involves expanding the trial at a higher dose to thousands more people, which is likely where Webber will come into the play.
A slew of people took to Twitter to applaud the Cats composer’s willingness to get involved in finding a cure or treatment for the virus.
‘Bravo’, ‘Godspeed to you sir’ and ‘Thank you for your dedication’ where among the many sentiments from followers and fans.
‘I really admire how you actually act in order to support what you believe. Most of the people only talk much but do little. Keep my fingers crossed that the vaccine works. Stay safe,’ another person tweeted out in support.
Taking a stand: Webber and his longtime producer Cameron Mackintosh have been very vocal about what they say is the UK government’s weak response to help the theater industry during the coronavirus crisis; he is pictured at Cats opening in NYC in July 2016
New York City’s Broadway and London’s West End are among the theater districts and venues that have been closed since March due to the pandemic.
In recent months, both Webber and his longtime producer Cameron Mackintosh have been very vocal about what they say is the UK government’s weak response to help the theater industry during the crisis.
Mackintosh contends that the UK government’s $1.9 billion arts lifeline, which includes $647.3 million for Arts Council England to support theaters, music and comedy venues and museums, ‘still hasn’t materialized,’ according to Variety.
When the pandemic hit, Mackintosh was forced to shut down all eight of his West End properties, which were running to full houses at the time.
Weber’s illustrious career as a composer includes Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1968), Jesus Christ Superstar (1970), Evita (1976), Cats (1981), The Phantom Of The Opera (1986) and School Of Rock (2015).
Legendary: Webber’s resume includes Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1968), Jesus Christ Superstar (1970), Evita (1976), Cats (1981), The Phantom Of The Opera (1986) and School Of Rock (2015)