Andrew Lloyd Webber is set to receive an experimental coronavirus vaccine as part of an Oxford trial vowing to 'do anything to prove theatres can re-open safely'

Yesterday the world-renowned composer, 72, took to social media and talked about the motives behind his decision to take part. 

He said: "I am excited that tomorrow I am going to be vaccinated for the Oxford Covid 19 trial. I'll do anything to prove that theatres can re-open safely."

Oxford University and the drug company AstraZeneca are working on the development of the experimental vaccine called ChAdOx1 nCoV-19. 

READ AGAIN: Oxford theatre reopening considers new ordering app

The next step in the study involves expanding the trial at a higher dose to thousands more people, which is where Lord Lloyd Webber is expected to take part.

Oxford Mail:

Some fans 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 his followers and fans.

London's West End is among theatre districts and venues that have been closed since March due to the pandemic.  

In recent months, both Lord Lloyd 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 theatre industry during the crisis, despite the government's financial rescue package for the arts.

When the pandemic hit, Mr Mackintosh was forced to shut down all eight of his West End properties, which were running to full houses at the time.

READ MORE: Oxford Playhouse launches appeal to save it from closure

Andrew Lloyd Webber's 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).

He has been trialling measures at the London Palladium that could allow the theatre business to get back up and running after Phantom Of The Opera continued in South Korea with strict hygiene measures and no social distancing.

The composer hosted a pilot performance by Beverley Knight at the London Palladium, which had strict social distancing measures in place and was at 30 per cent capacity.

It is one of a number of events to gauge the viability of live entertainment amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Audience members were given an assigned arrival time and spread sparsely across the auditorium, with some rows left empty.