Andrew Lloyd Webber has decided to shut down Cinderella, his latest musical, until February at the earliest, blaming “this wretched virus” for putting paid to “the joy of entertaining audiences”.

Covid also forced the cancellation of the Royal Opera House’s Christmas ballet, Nutcracker, until the New Year, with reports suggesting half of West End shows had to be scrapped over the weekend because of staff and cast illness and isolation.

The omicron Covid variant is continuing to sweep the country, with many sectors hit by staff shortages as workers fall ill or self-isolate after testing positive.

Announcing his decision on Tuesday, Lord Lloyd-Webber said: “I am absolutely devastated that Cinderella has to temporarily close. Once again this wretched virus has put paid to the joy of entertaining audiences, something that I hold so dear.

“Sadly, this is the right thing to do – not just for the safety of our cast, musicians and backstage crew, but for the quality of the show we give our audiences, who travel long distances and make significant investments to come and see us.

“Rest assured, Cinderella will re-open as soon as this wave is licked and we know we can give our audiences the fantastic time they deserve.”