Pictured: The iconic chandelier is removed from the premises. ©️ Mark Shenton [**@ShentonStage**](https://twitter.com/ShentonStage), Twitter.
However, it didn't take long for **Andrew Lloyd Webber** to [**chime in**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/news/andrew-lloyd-webber-responds-to-mackintoshs-evening-standard-article-says-phantom-will-re-open-as-soon-as-is-possible) and contradict Mackintosh's original statement. The next day, the musical's iconic composer took to Twitter to say: "*As far as I'm concerned, Phantom will re-open as soon as is possible.*"
**ALW** (who recently was [**forced to postpone his new Cinderella musical**](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/news/opening-date-for-andrew-lloyd-webbers-cinderella-moved-to-2021) starring **Carrie Hope Fletcher** due to the coronavirus pandemic) didn't specify which version fans would be getting for the show's return, which caused even former *Phantom* actor **John Owen-Jones** to speculate that a "leaner" version of the show would be the one to return.
Now, **Jessica Koravos**, has offered some more clarity on what exactly is going with *Phantom.* The president of Really Useful Group told *The Stage *today that Mackintosh's particular phrasing was not entirely correct and that what he actually meant to say was that "*we have closed down the production entity*" rather than shutting down the entire show.
She reassured fans of *Phantom *that when it returns, the show "*will be the original version. It is not a new version of the show – it will be the original Phantom.*"
### What will be different about *Phantom of the Opera* when it returns to the West End?
Koravos' statements do seem to line up with a recent press release published a few weeks ago by the production team that stated "*a period of extended closure is urgently needed*" in order to repair both Her Majesty's Theatre and the actual musical itself.
She also provided us with some more juicy details about the musical, revealing that "*this will be the first Phantom production that happens completely without the involvement of **Hal Prince***" while still preserving what was originally in place.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more details.
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