Hereford theatre owner welcomes Andrew Lloyd Webber's support for the industry
The composer is threatening to take legal action against the government
The CEO of the Courtyard Theatre in Hereford says he's glad Andrew Lloyd Webber is supporting the indsutry.
The composer's raised the prospect of taking legal action against the Government if theatres aren't allowed to reopen at full capacity on June the 21st.
He says any delay to England's reopening could prove to be "the final death blow" for the industry.
Ian Archer has welcomed the support, saying: "Anybody who can lobby for theatres who can get to central Government and plead our case is fantastic.
"If Andrew Lloyd Webber can do that then great because we desperately need to reopen without social distancing.
"Saying that we've built social distancing into our programme until September as a precaution in case June 21st doesn't go ahead."
Indoor entertainment venues were able to reopen on May 17 at half capacity, but many theatres have remained shut because it is not profitable to play to smaller audiences.
Many venues across the country are at risk of closure due to the pandemic.
Currently the Courtyard theatre is only showing film as putting on full performances isn't financially viable.
Ian Archer says many theatres will be looking ahead to panto season - a crucial time of year for venues.
He added: "We need to get through September and October with normal programming but then we need to be confident we can produce panto in its entirety with a full audience.
"No one can predict what's going to happen with this virus but we can only hope it doesn't jeopardise theatres reopening fully from September.
"I think the industry has been left behind. We need to reopen and whilst other venues like football stadiums are opening up then why can't we?
"They are a very safe environment and you only have to visit the Courtyard to see what safety measures we've put in place."