Andrew Lloyd Webber — the English composer behind “The Phantom of the Opera” and other noteworthy Broadway shows — is stepping up to combat the coronavirus.
He announced this week via social media he’s taking part in a trial for the COVID-19 vaccine under development at Oxford University.
“Just completed the Oxford Covid-19 vaccine trial,” wrote Lloyd Webber. “I’ll do anything to get theatres large and small open again and actors and musicians back to work.”
The 72-year-old entertainment legend first announced his participation in the trial Wednesday, writing in a tweet he was “excited” to take part in the test.
Oxford has been working in partnership with the drug company AstraZeneca to develop the vaccine. Early results on the potential effectiveness of the immunization are expected to be revealed soon.
In May, researchers involved in the project said the trial was “progressing very well.” At the same time, U.K. Business Secretary Alok Sharma said the vaccine, if successful, could deliver 30 million doses by September.
It was announced in late July that the current production of “Phantom” on the West End in London would be “permanently shut down” due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Lloyd Webber, for his part, pushed back against that assertion. He said the show would reopen “as soon as possible.”