Damage to Love Never Dies theatre 'unacceptable', says council
Andrew Lloyd Webber is facing a £20,000 fine after illegally painting the Adelphi theatre black for the promotion of his new musical, Love Never Dies.
Musical lovers with tickets to Love Never Dies in London may have been amused by the advert, but it appears that local councillors were not.
Westminster Council is claiming that the composer painted the Grade II-listed before receiving consent, and said that the changes have caused 'unacceptable' damage.
"The works have changed the character and appearance of the theatre and harmed its special architectural and historic interest, and also the Covent Garden conservation area's character and appearance," the council's report said.
It will meet on April 22nd when it is due to rubber stamp the decision to begin legal enforcement action.
The Theatres Trust supported Andrew Lloyd Webber on the condition that the black paint is removed once Love Never Dies ends.
The Adelphi theatre was originally designed by Ernest Runtz who adorned the building with art deco-style cream tiles, which both Westminster Council and English Heritage would like to see restored.
Posted by Daniel Owens
