Stephen Ward musical to close after four months in the West End | Stage | The Guardian Stephen Ward musical to close after four months in the West End Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical about the Profumo affair will end its run on 29 March Early exit … Stephen Ward, Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical on the Profumo affair. Photograph: Nobby Clark Close This article is 2 years old Viva Forever lasted seven months . From Here to Eternity will have survived for five by its last performance in March. Stephen Ward will only scrape to four , after it posted closing notices last night. Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical had previously announced an extension until the end of May, but those plans were pulled and the last performance will now take place on 29 March – less than a month after its initial booking period. The musical's failure will be a huge blow to Lloyd Webber. "I haven't had a hit in 20 years," he told the Telegraph in December . "I've written six musicals in that time." However, none of those have flopped quite like Stephen Ward.

Even the roundly mocked Love Never Dies strung together an 18-month run at the Aldwych theatre, while his collaboration with Ben Elton, The Beautiful Game, lasted 11 months. That show will at least have a chance to restore its reputation later this year; its first London revival was announced yesterday. Lotte Wakeham, associate director on Matilda, will direct a fringe production that opens on 3 April at the Union theatre. Niamh Perry, who competed for the role of Nancy in Lloyd Webber's BBC casting show I'd Do Anything, will lead the cast. Love Never Dies saw its reputation overturned by its Australian premiere, which was subsequently released on DVD. Stephen Ward's producer Robert Fox said that he hoped the new musical would achieve the same feat in the future, praising Stephen Ward as "possibly Andrew's best score in years, paired with some of the finest writing and lyrics Don [Black] and Christopher [Hampton] have ever delivered.

"I am very sad to see the show close in London, but firmly believe this piece will be seen by many audiences in the future." The musical, directed by Richard Eyre, charts the unravelling of the Profumo affair, centring on the osteopath who introduced the politician John Profumo to Christine Keeler. It had a budget of £2.5m, but has reportedly been playing to half full houses for the last month. Tickets priced at £67.50 were available for £39.50. Lloyd Webber said in December that he may not be able to afford to continue writing musicals. "The costs of doing musicals have risen absolutely hugely," he said.

"I don't think I've got enough money to do very many more." Stephen Ward: Andrew Lloyd Webber's biggest flop to date - Telegraph Stephen Ward: Andrew Lloyd Webber's biggest flop to date Stephen Ward, Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest West End flop, was doomed from the start, says Dominic Cavendish Andrew Lloyd Webber suspected his latest musical, Stephen Ward, might fail Photo: Rex Features Comments The premature demise of a new original musical in the West End is never a great cause for celebration, even if you're one of those who believe that Andrew Lloyd Webber, so dominant for decades, deserves taking down a peg or two. When I interviewed the multi-millionaire composer ahead of the opening of Stephen Ward in December, he was fully aware that it might not find an audience. He quoted the American theatre impresario Jimmy Nederlander Senior, who told him in 1971, on the opening night of Jesus Christ Superstar on Broadway, "'There is no limit to the number of people who won’t buy tickets to a show they won’t want to see!'.

That has stayed with me all my life." He added, stoically: "If this show doesn’t really take off, it will be gone by February." In the event, faced with low attendances, it will struggle on until the end of March. Lord Lloyd-Webber is a pick-yourself-up-and-dust-yourself-down kind of guy. He is also getting used to these kinds of box-office rebuffs – his last triumph, as he himself pointed out, was 20 years ago with Sunset Boulevard. Stephen Ward joins a list of under-performing Lloyd Webber West End shows : The Beautiful Game, The Woman in White and his Phantom of the Opera sequel, Love Never Dies. But even amid such commendable company (each had its virtues) it’s his biggest flop to date. His ego is tough enough and his wallet is deep enough to take the hit, but even so he must presumably be conducting a post-mortem as to what went wrong. It’s easy to snipe from the sidelines, but a number of obvious factors stand out. Simply in terms of timing and title this show didn’t help its own chances and may even have doomed them.

While it was neat to mount a musical about the society osteopath at the heart of the Profumo affair 50 years after the Old Bailey trial that resulted in his suicide, a December opening must have weighed in the balance against the news-value of the anniversary tie-in: it struck me as too dark a topic to set against the Christmas lights. And what with the grisly coincidence of the ceiling collapse at the Apollo, Shaftesbury Avenue on its press night and the subsequent dreadful weather, it’s as if the calendar has worked against it. In terms of title, well, even if you knew something about the Profumo scandal – and Lloyd Webber was hoping to entice a younger, politically engaged generation born years after it rocked British society – the name "Stephen Ward" wouldn’t necessarily ring bells. Tourists, I imagine, would have been stumped. And just on its own terms it hardly yells a great night out. True, "Evita" registered little with the public back in 1978 but at least it had an enticing, mysterious air.

Related Articles Stephen Ward, review 24 Dec 2013 In a sense, though, all these handicaps – if we accept them as such – could have been overcome if the show had really made the grade. Even the lack of "star names" need not have been an obstacle to it finding favour. But the plain truth is that Stephen Ward was only half-way to being fully achieved and a few favourable, erring-on-the-generous reviews aside, the critics scented that. Much was made of it as a departure for Lloyd Webber in terms of wit and humour. Certainly the team (with Christopher Hampton and Don Black on lyrics, and Richard Eyre directing) came together in high-style during the infamous "orgy" scene, conducted to the arrestingly outre number You’ve Never Had It So Good. For me, though, it was precisely the similarities with The Phantom of the Opera that Lloyd Webber should have pursued. Engrossed with relaying Ward's maltreatment at the hands of the establishment and emphasising his innocence of the charges levelled at him, he sidelined the strange psychology of the man and his Pygmalion-like fixation with Christine Keeler, who helped bring him down.

There will be other chances in the future, I’m sure, for the show to be put back on its feet. Whoever does so should think carefully about the locale. In retrospect, perhaps a seedy London night-club would have done the trick better, built up a more fittingly bohemian vibe – or Lloyd Webber could have cut out the financial headache of a West End trial and headed straight to the Menier Chocolate Factory, bastion of the artistically demanding musical. Before it resurfaces, though, instead of putting it on the shelf, he should tinker and where necessary strip-back and re-write. There are a laudable number of powerful, memorable songs in Stephen Ward; what doesn’t, oddly, stay in the mind is the man himself.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Stephen Ward to close on 29 March - WhatsOnStage.com Andrew Lloyd Webber's Stephen Ward to close on 29 March The racy musical about the Profumo Affair premiered at the Aldwych Theatre in December 25 Feb 2014 Andrew Lloyd Webber, Charlotte Blackledge, Alexander Hanson, Charlotte Spencer and Richard Eyre Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Stephen Ward will close at the Aldwych Theatre at the end of March, it has been confirmed. The show, based on the 'society osteopath' at the centre of the 1963 Profumo Affair, premiered on 19 December 2013 (previews from 3 December). Its final performance will be 29 March 2014. Producer Robert Fox said: "I am very proud of the show and our wonderful Company. Andrew has never been afraid to embrace difficult and challenging subject matters and Ward's strong and compelling story highlights a serious miscarriage of justice...

I am very sad to see the show close in London but firmly believe this piece will be seen by many audiences in the future." MORE INFO Stephen Ward stars Alexander Hanson in the title role, alongside Charlotte Spencer (Christine Keeler), Charlotte Blackledge (Mandy Rice Davies), Anthony Calf (Lord Astor), Daniel Flynn (John Profumo), Joanna Riding (Valerie Hobson), Ian Conningham (Ivanov), Chris Howell (Murray), Ricardo Coke Thomas (Lucky Gordon) and Wayne Robinson (Johnny Edgecombe). Other cast members are Martin Callaghan, Kate Coyston, Jason Denton, Julian Forsyth, Amy Griffiths, Paul Kemble, Emma Kate Nelson, Carl Sanderson, Emily Squibb, John Stacey, Helen Ternent and Tim Walton. Directed by Richard Eyre , the musical reunites Lloyd Webber with his Sunset Boulevard collaborators Christopher Hampton (book) and Don Black (lyrics).

Andrew Lloyd Webber | News and Photos | Contactmusic.com Andrew Lloyd Webber News Pictures Film Comments Quotes RSS Andrew Lloyd Webber , Madelaine Llotyd Webber, Emma Joy Kitchener and Julian Fellowes on the red carpet for the opening night of School of Rock held at New London Theatre - London, United Kingdom - Monday 14th November 2016 Andrew Lloyd Webber seen arriving at the 2016 Evening Standard Theatre Awards held at the Old Vic - London, United Kingdom - Sunday 13th November 2016 Nicole Scherzinger Andrew Lloyd Webber The singer has pulled out of the Broadway revival at the last minute. Andrew Lloyd Webber has never been one to mince his words and when it comes to the Broadway arrangement of his musical 'Cats', he's no different. He's brazenly told the world that he's 'furious' with star Nicole Scherzinger for dropping out at the last minute so that she could return to 'The X Factor'.

Nicole Scherzinger not hitting Broadway for 'Cats' It's a shame, but it's true; the former 'Pussycat Doll' is leaving the whiskers behind so that she can go back to the talent show alongside Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh. She was a popular asset to the West End run of the 'Cats' revival in 2015, where she played Grizabella the Glamour Cat, a role popularized originally by Elaine Paige. Robert Stigwood Bee Gees Barry Gibb Eric Clapton Andrew Lloyd Webber Stigwood managed the career of the Bee Gees as well as Eric Clapton’s band Cream. Robert Stigwood , the former manager of the Bee Gees has died aged 81. The Australian-born music mogul was famed for managing the career of the Gibb brothers, beginning in 1967 when he proclaimed them the year’s ‘Most Significant New Talent’. Stigwood was also a successful movie producer, working on films including Grease and Saturday Night Fever. Andrew Lloyd Webber Alex Brightman takes over the lead role from Jack Black.

The eagerly anticipated Andrew Lloyd Webber stage adaptation of 'School Of Rock' finally hit Broadway this week (December 6th 2015) with a cast led by the uber charismatic breakthrough theatre star Alex Brightman. He's no Jack Black of course, but you'd be hard pushed to come much closer. [L-R] Dante Melucci, Alex Brightman, Brandon Niederauer and Jared Parker The world premiere of 'School Of Rock: The Musical' was shown at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York on Sunday night, following previews in November. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber of 'Cats' and 'The Phantom of the Opera' fame, lyrics by the Tony nominated Glenn Slater of 'Sister Act' and a book by 'Downton Abbey' creator Julian Fellowes, it was also sure to be a seamless production and a worthy re-working of the original 2003 movie. Andrew Lloyd Webber Jack Black Richard Linklater Jack Black's comedy movie to be performed on a live stage.

Fans of Jack Black 's epic 2003 comedy 'School of Rock' can get excited as a stage version of the story prepares to hit Broadway in Andrew Lloyd Webber 's latest project - featuring songs both old and new! Andrew Lloyd Webber to work on 'School Of Rock' We've had our fingers crossed for a sequel to Richard Linklater 's musical movie since it was announced as 'School of Rock 2: America Rocks' back in 2008, but then it started to look like we weren't going to see rock teacher Dewey Finn return to our screens after all. Never fear though, as now the original story is coming to Broadway towards the end of 2015 with previews kicking off in November. Nicole Scherzinger Andrew Lloyd Webber The former ‘X Factor’ judge will take to the stage at the London Palladium from December 6th. Former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger has found her perfect West End role, as Grizabella in a revival of the iconic musical ‘Cats’. The singer will be playing the feisty feline when the show returns to the London Palladium later this year for a limited run beginning on December 6th.

Nicole Scherzinger will be playing Grizabella in 'Cats' As the announcement was made by Andrew Lloyd Webber on Sunday Night at the Palladium, the US born singer said, “to have the opportunity to work with Andrew, Trevor and Gillian is a dream come true.” Adding, “I grew up listening to Andrew’s extraordinary music and was lucky enough, a couple of years ago, to record Cats’ beautiful song ‘Memory’.” Andrew Lloyd Webber London Palladium 'Cats' truly has nine lives and is set to enjoy a revival later this year when the hit Andrew Lloyd Webber musical has a 12 week run at the London Palladium. Andrew Lloyd Webber announced on Monday (7th July) he would be reviving his hit 1981 musical Cats. The composer announced the musical would be at the London Palladium for a limited 12 week run beginning in early December 2014. The musical has not been on stage in London for twelve years so it is something of a homecoming run. Andrew Lloyd Webber with some of the cast of Cats at the London Palladium launch on Monday (7th July).

Andrew Lloyd Webber Charlotte Spencer The master of musicals' new production misses out on a collective standing ovation. The reviews are in for new West End musical, Stephen Ward, based on the real life Profumo Affair. Whilst members of an older generation will be instantly familiar with Stephen Ward and the name's scandalous connotations, there will be many confused about the title of Don Black and Christopher Hampton's new play. Charlotte Spencer Takes The Role Of Christine Keeler In 'Stephen Ward.' The 1963 Profumo Affair was a political scandal named after John Profumo, who was the Secretary of State for War at the time and who engaged in an affair with the mistress of a soviet spy, Christine Keeler. Profumo was forced to resign after being found to have lied about the affair which in turn damaged the reputation of Prime Minister Harold Macmillan. Take That Gary Barlow Andrew Lloyd Webber Gary Barlow has announced that Take That will start work on a new album next year and they’ve got none other than Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber on board to help out with the songwriting.

Quite what that will mean for the man-band isn’t clear but hopefully they’re not going to go all jazz-hands and stage musical on us. In an interview with the Daily Mirror, Barlow confirmed “I have got a lot of Take That stuff next year and then, hopefully, a tour the year after. A new studio album feels right for us, it has always been in our minds.” He added “The band cycles are obvious. Everyone wanted a year off this year, and now everybody can't wait to get back into the studio in February and that is what we are going to do. So, hopefully, an album for Christmas and a tour the following year.” The band have been enjoying their renaissance, after splitting in 1996 and then getting back together in 2008. Fans will no doubt be wondering just how long they’re expecting to carry on, but Barlow assured them “We’re far from over. We’re all creative, we’re singers and songwriters. There’s plenty left in us, don’t worry… Mark’s solo album is out next year.

I was talking to him about it earlier today and he’s very excited about it.” Good news then… now all we need to figure out is whether or not Robbie’s going to stick with them at all. Gary Barlow Andrew Lloyd Webber Prince Harry Russell Watson Gary Barlow ’s performance of Sing at the Classic Brits will feature an accompaniment from the group, Military Wives, reports The Metro. Sing, the single that made Prince Harry the first royal to top the charts, is up for the Classical Brit Awards ‘single of the year award’ after shooting to number one in the singles chart, while the album of the same name took the top spot in the albums chart. The successful choir group Military Wives will perform the song, whilst Barlow and Andrew Lloyd Webber - the composers of the single for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations - will appear on stage at the awards show playing grand pianos. “The Classic Brits is something I’ve never done before, so I’m very excited to be a part of it,” explained Barlow.

“It’ll be nice to get everyone back together for a performance of Sing as we’ve only ever performed it once together live.” In My Dreams – the first studio album from Military Wives - topped the charts and got them into the top ten of the Classic FM Hall Of Fame. Opera singer Russell Watson will also be performing at the event after having to cancel his appearance at the event last year due to health problems. Shows | Andrew Lloyd Webber 8th September 2016 School of Rock Smells Like Tween Spirit! Follow the kids of School of Rock as they get ready to begin performances at the New London Theatre on 24 October 2016. 2016 26th May 2016 Leona Lewis to star as Grizabella in Cats on Broadway Chart-topping pop star Leona Lewis will play the iconic role of Grizabella in the first-ever Broadway revival of Cats. 2016 School of Rock to open at the New London Theatre School of Rock will open at the New London Theatre in October 2016. 2016 School of Rock Open Auditions We are searching for brilliantly talented children who can sing, act and play rock instruments.

2015 20th October 2015 Andrew Lloyd Webber to start music education programs in 20 New York public schools Lloyd Webber has gifted the City of New York’s Fund for Public Schools with $150,000 toward new instruments. 2015 19 October 2015 School of Rock - The Musical's 360° music video surpasses 1,000,000 views on YouTube and Facebook in less than 3 days The first-of-its-kind video is the FASTEST on Broadway to reach 1 million views combined on YouTube and Facebook in less than 3 days. 2015 14 October 2015 YOU’RE IN THE BAND! First-of-its-kind 360° music video from "School of Rock - the Musical" Andrew Lloyd Webber to release first-of-its-kind 360° music video of “You're in the Band” from "School of Rock - the Musical" on YouTube and Facebook.

2014 2 October 2014 Andrew to appear at the Cheltenham Literature Festival Andrew Lloyd Webber is the latest name to join the line-up for The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival this weekend. 2014 28 September 2014 Nicole Scherzinger to star in Cats! Nicole Scherzinger will be making her West End stage debut as Grizabella in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical Cats. 2014 7 July 2014 CATS returns to London for 12 weeks only at the London Palladium Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical "Cats", based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, returns to the West End for a strictly limited 12 week run at the London Palladium from 6 December 2014. 2014 13 May 2014 Andrew welcomes Norm Lewis & Sierra Boggess to Phantom on Broadway Andrew Lloyd Webber was in New York on Monday to welcome incoming stars Norm Lewis and Sierra Boggess to Broadway’s longest running show.

2014 4 April 2014 Stars align for the biggest US arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar Brandon Boyd, JC Chasez, Michelle Williams, John (Rotten) Lydon and Ben Forster take Jesus Christ Superstar on the biggest North American arena tour kicking off in New Orleans on 9th June and then visiting more than 50 cities across the US. 2014 20 March 2014 Phantom in New York proudly welcomes two great Broadway stars this May Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 'The Phantom of the Opera', directed by Harold Prince, will proudly welcome Tony Award nominee Norm Lewis as The Phantom, and Broadway & West End star Sierra Boggess, as Christine Daaé, at The Majestic, New York, on 12th May. 2014 14 February 2014 Andrew on BBC Radio 2 with Chris Evans This morning, Andrew joined Harvey Weinstein, George Clooney and Nerina Pallot live on this morning's BBC Radio 2 The Chris Evans Breakfast Show.

2014 30 January 2014 Rocket Pictures to Produce animated feature film of Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice's 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat' Elton John’s Rocket Pictures has acquired the film rights to Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s global stage phenomenon, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat. 2013 30th December 2013 Gillian Lynne Receives DBE It was announced that Gillian Lynne CBE, 87, has had the title of Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (DBE) conferred upon her in the 2014 New Years Honours List for her services to Dance and Musical Theatre. 2013 22 December 2013 Sex, Lies and a Very British Scapegoat In this exclusive documentary, Andrew tells the story of Stephen Ward, the man at the centre of the 'Profumo Affair', pinpointing the events that led to Ward becoming a scapegoat for the affair. 2013 Andrew on BBC One's The One Show Last night, Andrew appeared on BBC One's The One Show!

2013 6 December, 2013 Andrew Lloyd Webber on The Graham Norton Show Tonight, Andrew Lloyd Webber will appear on The Graham Norton Show, BBC 1 at 10:45 pm. 2013 26 November 2013 Andrew Lloyd Webber introduces Stephen Ward at the Royal Variety Performance 2013 Last night the London Palladium, the world's most famous variety theatre, played host to a Grammy Award winner, a BAFTA Award winning Dame, BRIT and MOBO Award winners and Olympic champions at this year's Royal Variety Performance. 2013 30 Sept, 2013 Stephen Ward Press Launch Close friends of the production and some key members of the press were invited to an exclusive Stephen Ward launch event in London's Soho, featuring special performances from the cast. 2013 June 26, 2013 Stephen Ward Announced Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Christopher Hampton and Don Black, and directed by Richard Eyre, STEPHEN WARD charts the rise and fall from grace of the man at the centre of the Profumo scandal.

2013 March 27, 2013 Theme from Stephen Ward released for pre-order The ‘Theme from Stephen Ward’, by Lloyd Webber, was specially arranged for classical guitar, and performed by Miloš Karadaglić, a 29 year old Montenegrin, recently described by The Times as “a new classical guitar God”. 2013 Andrew Lloyd Webber: 40 Musical Years An evening of show-stopping performances, one-off collaborations and insights from Andrew on his extraordinary career. 2013 February 27, 2013 Stagecoach perform Cats at the NIA Part-time theatre school network Stagecoach Theatre Arts celebrates its 25th anniversary with an epic performance of the world-renowned musical at the National Indoor Arena, Birmingham with thousands of performers from Stagecoach schools nationally and internationally taking part.

2013 February 27, 2013 Phantom US Tour Announcement RUG and CML announce that the spectacular new touring production of The Phantom of the Opera will launch a North American tour beginning November 2013 2013 February 20, 2013 Jesus Christ Superstar announce 2013 Australian tour The Really Useful Group and Frontier Touring proudly announce that the new arena production of Jesus Christ Superstar will tour Australia in 2013. The production will begin its tour of the continent in Perth on 31 May. 2013 5th February 2013 Tickets for the second Jesus Christ Superstar LIVE UK Arena Tour go on sale. The spectacular show returns to the UK in October 2013 by popular demand and will feature the same stellar cast as before: award-winning Tim Minchin (Judas Iscariot), Melanie C (Mary Magdalene), Chris Moyles (King Herod) and winner of ITV's Superstar, Ben Forster (Jesus). 2012 19th November 2012 Jesus Christ Superstar LIVE Arena Tour DVD/Blu-Ray released!

Witnessing this stunning show was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many people, but now you can relive the whole experience with Tim Minchin, Melanie C, Chris Moyles and Ben Forster in beautiful HD and crisp 5.1 surround sound in the conform of your own living room. 2012 November 7, 2012 Danielle Wade wins CBC's Over The Rainbow Ontario's Danielle Wade wins the coveted ruby slippers as Canada's top Dorothy on CBC's Over The Rainbow 2012 Andrew joins the Jesus Christ Superstar Arena Tour cast on stage at the M.E.N. View photos of Andrew on stage with the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar in Manchester 2012 Fourth London show added to Arena Tour! Extra dates added to Jesus Christ Superstar UK Tour due to overwhelming demand 2012 tch the official trailer for ITV's Superstar The official trailer for Superstar is released 2012 May 21, 2012 First O2 show sold out!

Second date added Second Jesus Christ Superstar UK Arena Tour date added at The O2, London, due to phenomenal demand 2012 Andrew Lloyd Webber welcomes his live show judging panel for Superstar 2012 May 16, 2012 Jesus Christ Superstar UK Arena Tour Stars align for first ever UK Arena Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, tickets onsale Friday 18th May. 2012 Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar Tony nominations Broadway revivals of Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar nominated in Tony Awards. 2012 March 16, 2012 Love Never Dies number 1 in mid-week charts Love Never Dies soars to number 1 in the UK's mid-week Music DVD charts, and number 4 in the overall top 200. 2012 Wizard of Oz nominated in 2012 Olivier Awards Wizard of Oz nominated for Best Musical Revival at the 2012 Olivier Awards.

2012 Andrew announces casting panel for ITV1 Superstar Andrew Lloyd Webber invites Melanie C and Jason Donovan to assist him on Superstar 2012 March 9, 2012 Love Never Dies released in the UK Next Monday, 12th March, sees the DVD, Blu-Ray and iTunes release of Love Never Dies in the UK and Ireland. 2012 February 3, 2012 Love Never Dies US Movie Release Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies makes its U.S. debut only in movie theaters in exclusive February event 2012 January 18, 2012 ITV1 and Andrew Lloyd Webber today announce ‘Superstar’ ITV1 and Andrew Lloyd Webber today announce Superstar – a brand new show that will give the British public the chance to choose the country’s next major rock star. 2011 Jesus Christ Superstar celebrates 40 years! Jesus Christ Superstar marks a significant production milestone 2011 October 5, 2011 Jesus Christ Superstar on Broadway The Stratford Shakespeare Festival’s Production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, directed by Des Mcanuff.

2011 Andrew at The Phantom of the Opera 25th Anniversary Exclusive video footage backstage at the final 25th Anniversary performance on Sunday 2nd October 2011. 2011 Andrew attends Love Never Dies final performance at The Adelphi Andrew attends Love Never Dies final performance at The Adelphi 2011 August 19, 2011 Andrew attends The Sound of Music in Norwich Andrew Lloyd Webber visits Verity Rushworth and cast of The Sound of Music tour at the Norwich Theatre Royal 2011 July 19, 2011 Jesus Christ Superstar to move to La Jolla Playhouse Stratford Shakespeare Festival's production of Jesus Christ Superstar, directed by Des McAnuff, will move on to play the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, California, later this year.

2011 July 5, 2011 Love Never Dies receives 10 Helpmann Award nominations The Australian production of Love Never Dies yesterday received 10 nominations in the tenth annual Helpmann Awards 2011 July 1, 2011 The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall Series of concerts at The Royal Albert Hall this October announced to celebrate The Phantom of the Opera's 25th anniversary this year. 2011 June 1, 2011 Andrew attends Love Never Dies premiere in Melbourne Exclusive video footage of Andrew Lloyd Webber onstage after the Australian premiere performance of Love Never Dies 2011 March 18, 2011 There's NOSE place like home Dangerous Dave makes his West End debut on 21st April in a special charity gala performance in aid of Comic Relief - tickets now onsale 2011 February 23, 2011 Love Never Dies’ Leading Men win Whatsonstage.com Awards Ramin Karimloo and Joseph Millson win at the Whatsonstage.com Awards as Love Never Dies also secures 7 Olivier nominations.

2010 On Thursday 16th December BBC1 broadcasts the 82nd Royal Variety Performance. 2010 December 9, 2010 Andrew Lloyd Webber to greet the Royal Party at this year’s Royal Variety Performance This evening Andrew and his wife Madeleine will greet the Royal Party outside the London Palladium ahead of 82nd annual Royal Variety Performance 2010 November 3, 2010 Andrew and Tim Rice appear on The Culture Show On 4th November, BBC 2's The Culture Show features an exclusive interview with Andrew and Tim Rice to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Jesus Christ Superstar concept album. 2010 Phantom celebrates 10,000 performances in the West End Special guests drop in to enjoy the landmark performance... 2010 October 14, 2010 Over The Rainbow…Where Are They Now? As Danielle Hope gets ready to make her debut in The Wizard of Oz, we take a look at what her fellow former Dorothies are up to.

2010 October 12, 2010 Love Never Dies Australian premiere announced LOVE NEVER DIES, the continuing story of The Phantom of the Opera, will have its Australian premiere in Melbourne’s Regent Theatre in May 2011, Andrew Lloyd Webber announced in London. 2010 We're off to see the Wizard – and it's Michael Crawford! Michael Crawford to star in The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium. 2010 Andrew visits Cardiff for a special announcement about Sophie Evans Andrew visited Cardiff today with Bill Kenwright to make a special announcement... 2010 Love Never Dies album number one across key retailers in China The Love Never Dies album reaches number one in China. 2010 June 7, 2010 Tell Me on a Sunday national tour, starring Claire Sweeney Press release gives further information about upcoming UK touring production of Tell Me on a Sunday. 2010 Oz Blog: The winner is revealed We reach the end of the yellow brick road, as our Dorothy is revealed. 2010 Exclusive footage from the final Over The Rainbow acting mission...

2010 May 24, 2010 Oz Blog: The Final Countdown We’ve reached the end of the yellow brick road as Andrew’s Dorothy is finally revealed in an epic two-part grand finale. 2010 May 22, 2010 Danielle you are Dorothy… and here comes Dangerous Dave as Toto! 18 year old Danielle from Manchester wins the role of a lifetime in BBC One’s Over the Rainbow live final 2010 Danielle, Lauren and Sophie have a go at Polo! A break from their final week of training for the Dorothy finalists 2010 The winning Dorothy to release charity single To be available from Sunday 23rd May 2010 Love Never Dies leading lady, Sierra Boggess, gives the Dorothy semi-finalists some invaluable advice 2010 Oz: Blog: Andrew makes his final choice and the final three are revealed In the final Sunday results show, four become three. 2010 May 15, 2010 Bombay Dreams Movie Announcement Marquee Pictures announces the film adaption of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and A. R. Rahman musical 'Bombay Dreams'.

2010 Oz Blog: The Fantastic Four The tension mounts as the final four contestants battle to reach next week's grand final. 2010 11, 2010 Andrew meets Bobby... Behind the scenes on last week's Over The Rainbow acting mission, as the girls - and Andrew - meet Bobby the Westie (aka Toto). 2010 May 11, 2010 Oz Blog: The second sing-off After saying goodbye to Jenny in Sunday's show, it was time for another Dorothy to hand back her shoes... 2010 May 10, 2010 Oz Blog: A Dorothy Cull... It was Musical Theatre week – and time for a double Dorothy elimination as the semi-finals loom... 2010 We’re off to see The Wizard of Oz! The most magical adventure of them all - tickets now onsale. 2010 From Nancy to Dorothy: A message from Sam and Niamh A message for the Dorothys from I'd Do Anything's Sam Barks and Niamh Perry. 2010 Oz Blog: An Emotional Goodbye Another tough decision for Andrew in Sunday's Over The Rainbow sing-off.

2010 Oz Blog: An audience with the Lord Another weekend of fabulous performances, after the girls worked on their solo songs with Andrew. 2010 May 2, 2010 Andrew and the Dorothys get ready for their close up... It's lights, camera, action as the final seven girls and Andrew take part in a Daily Mirror photoshoot. 2010 An Over the Rainbow update from Andrew Andrew shares his thoughts after working with the Dorothys in his latest video blog. 2010 Andrew gets ready for next week's Over The Rainbow Andrew works with the Dorothys on this weekend's solo songs. 2010 April 27, 2010 It's Toto time for Andrew... Behind the scenes footage with Andrew, the Toto panel and eleven dogs vying to be Toto... 2010 Oz Blog: Standing ovations as we say another goodbye It's goodbye to another of the girls in our latest behind the scenes blog... 2010 Oz Blog: A chorus of Angels... Time for the girls to stretch those vocal chords with panellist Charlotte Church. 2010 Oz Blog: Another sad goodbye...

Time for another Dorothy to fly Over The Rainbow. 2010 Behind the scenes at Over The Rainbow Exclusive video footage gives a sneak peek behind the scenes at the studio. 2010 April 19, 2010 Oz Blog: Making a Song and Dance It’s dance week for our Dorothys as panellist John Partridge puts them through their paces... 2010 Oz Blog: It's goodbye to another of our Dorothies... Andrew faces a tough decision in this week's sing-off. 2010 Oz Blog: A Class Act The competition heats up, and the girls get some acting pointers from panellist Sheila Hancock 2010 Oz Blog: The first Dorothy flies over the rainbow It's goodbye to our first Dorothy as the first Over The Rainbow results are in 2010 April 6, 2010 Oz Blog: The first live show... and the public get to choose The Wild Card is revealed, and Andrew and the panel say goodbye to the first of our Dorothy’s. 2010 March 30, 2010 Oz Blog: 20 become 10...

As Graham Norton said "The lord is back" - our second 'Oz Blog' reports on this weekend's shows. 2010 March 30, 2010 Oz Blog: Over The Rainbow kicks off with weekend special As Graham Norton said "The lord is back" - in our first 'Oz Blog' we report back on this weekend’s first two Over The Rainbow shows. 2010 March 19, 2010 BBC ONE Follows the Yellow Brick Road, Over the Rainbow Official press release gives further details on Over The Rainbow, Andrew's BBC ONE search to find Dorothy 2010 Andrew and Katherine Jenkins on Dancing On Ice View images from Andrew's appearance on ITV1 show Dancing On Ice. 2010 February 19, 2010 Andrew Lloyd Webber to appear on Weekend Wogan this Sunday Andrew will be a guest on Terry Wogan's BBC Radio 2 show, Weekend Wogan, this Sunday 21st February 2010 from 11am until 1pm. 2010 Andrew pays a visit backstage after The Sound of Music UK tour press night.

2009 April 30, 2009 The Boys in the Photograph opens in Canada On 30th April 2009 The Boys in the Photograph received its first professional outing in Winnipeg’s Manitoba Theatre Centre. 2009 Joseph voted Best Musical Revival Joseph wins Whatsonstage.comTheatregoers Choice Award 2009 January 10, 2009 Lee Mead's final performance as Joseph in the West End After 15 months of performances onstage at London’s Adelphi Theatre, Any Dream Will Do winner Lee Mead hung up his famous Technicolor Dreamcoat on 10th January 2009. 2008 Problem Solved, Elicia Mackenzie is Canada's Maria Canada has finally answered the question of 'How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?' 2008 June 15, 2008 Starlight Express celebrates 20 years of productions in Bochum, Germany On Sunday 15th June, Andrew and Arlene Phillips attended a special gala event to celebrate 20 years of Starlight Express in Germany. 2008 The Phantom of the Opera goes digital!

This week The Phantom of The Opera installs a major new sound system. 2008 Joseph is still amazing audiences 40 years on Joseph celebrates its 40th anniversary. 2008 February 1, 2008 Andrew appears in Hollyoaks Andrew’s acting debut in Channel 4’s hit teen drama Hollyoaks aired on UK screens on 1st February 2008. 2007 Andrew and Ben visit Liverpool Andrew and Ben Elton visit a new production of The Beautiful Game in Liverpool 2007 Lee Mead to sing 'Any Dream Will Do' on Children in Need show. 2007 Andrew helps the Dutch find their Evita Andrew assists on the Dutch search for Evita. 2007 October 10, 2007 How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? nominated for Emmy Award BBC TV show How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? is nominated for a 2007 International Emmy Award 2007 October 3, 2007 Canada to be the next nation to Solve a Problem Like Maria... Canadian audiences to help answer the question of How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?

2006 November 15, 2006 The Sound of Music opens at the London Palladium Connie Fisher, the winner of BBC TV series How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? made her West End debut in the London Palladium production of The Sound of Music 2006 June 21, 2006 The 2006 revival of Evita Michael Grandage’s revival of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 1978 classic Evita opened at The Adelphi Theatre in London on 21st June 2006. 2004 September 16, 2004 The Woman in White opens The Woman in White, a free adaptation of Wilkie Collins’s sensational Victorian thriller of the same name, opened at the Palace Theatre, London on 16th September 2004.

2003 April 15, 2003 Tell Me on a Sunday West End revival ﻿Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s classic Tell Me on a Sunday is a one-woman song cycle that charts the course of a young English girl newly arrived in New York 2002 June 16, 2002 Bombay Dreams opens Bombay Dreams award winning composer A. R. Rahman's Bollywood extravaganza for the stage, was produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber and opened at the Apollo Theatre in London on June 16th 2002. 2000 The Beautiful Game opened at the Cambridge Theatre, London on 26th September 2000. 1998 The film version of Cats is released The film version of Cats, directed by David Mallet, was released in October 1998 1998 August 9, 1998 Boyzone reach number one with 'No Matter What' ‘No Matter What,’ from the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Jim Steinman musical Whistle Down The Wind, number one in the UK singles charts 9th August.

1998 July 1, 1998 Whistle Down The Wind opens in the West End Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Whistle Down The Wind premiered at the Aldwych Theatre in London on 1st July 1998. 1996 November 19, 1996 The 25th Anniversary production of Jesus Christ Superstar Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar originally opened in New York on 12th September 1971. For the 25th anniversary of the show... 1993 December 9, 1993 Sunset Boulevard opens in LA Sunset Boulevard received its American premiere on 9th December 1993 at the Shubert Theatre in Los Angeles.

1991 June 12, 1991 ‘Any Dream Will Do’ reaches number one in the UK singles chart Jason Donovan, starring in the London Palladium's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, tops the charts 1991 June 12, 1991 The London Palladium revival of Joseph The 1991 London Palladium revival of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Techniciolor Dreamcoat was directed by Steven Pimlott starring pop star Jason Donovan in the title role. 1989 Aspects of Love premieres at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London 1986 October 9, 1986 The opening of The Phantom of the Opera The Phantom of the Opera is now a musical phenomenon which has playe all over the world, but the show originally opened at Her Majesty's Thetare in London on 9th October 1986. 1984 March 27, 1984 Starlight Express opens Starlight Express, the world's only musical performed entirely on roller skates, opened at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London on 27th March 1984.

1982 March 26, 1982 Song and Dance Opens The original London production of Song and Dance opened at the Palace Theatre in London on 26th March 1982. 1972 August 9, 1972 Jesus Christ Superstar Opens in London Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar opened in London at the Palace Theatre on 9th August 1972. 2001 The film version of By Jeeves is released Directed by Alan Ayckbourn, the film version of By Jeeves was released in October 2001. 2009 'Love Changes Everything' performed at Kennedy memorial 'Love Changes Everything' performed at Senator Edward M. Kennedy's funeral.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Stephen Ward musical to close early - Telegraph Theatre Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Stephen Ward musical to close early Stephen Ward, which follows the fortunes of the man at the centre of the Profumo affair, will close after a run of just under four months In full swing: the cast of Stephen Ward Photo: Nobby Clark By Telegraph Reporters 8:01AM GMT 25 Feb 2014 Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, Stephen Ward, will complete its run at the Aldwych Theatre on 29 March 2014, having opened in December of last year. The show is directed by Richard Eyre, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and stars Alexander Hanson in the title role. It follows the rise and fall from grace of the man at the centre of the Profumo affair, whose involvement with model Christine Keeler led to the downfall of John Profumo, the Conservative Secretary of State for War. Although the show received generally good reviews, ticket sales have been sluggish. The show’s producer, Robert Fox said: “I am very proud of the show and our wonderful Company.

Andrew has never been afraid to embrace difficult and challenging subject matters and Ward’s strong and compelling story highlights a serious miscarriage of justice. The piece set out to explore his fascinating life as a piece of serious theatre which has now been told to a new generation. The strong critical reviews commend what I think is possibly Andrew’s best score in years, paired with some of the finest writing and lyrics Don and Christopher have ever delivered. I am very sad to see the show close in London but firmly believe this piece will be seen by many audiences in the future.” Andrew Lloyd Webber on his risqué new musical about the Profumo affair - and how it kept him going through nine months of crippling back pain | Daily Mail Online Andrew Lloyd Webber on his risqué new musical about the Profumo affair - and how it kept him going through nine months of crippling back pain comments You’d never guess Andrew Lloyd Webber is still recovering from two major operations in the past nine months. Today he’s fizzing with enough energy to power a small village. So much so that, when his flashy sound system goes on the blink, I wonder if we might fix it by plugging him in.

We’re in the studio in his Belgravia townhouse where Andrew is playing some of the stirring, saucy and downright salacious songs from his new musical Stephen Ward, about the society osteopath, portrait painter and ‘bringer-together-of-tarts-and-royalty’ who was at the centre of the 1963 Profumo sex-and-spy scandal. Think lyrics like, ‘I like freedom and diversity mixed with all sorts, tarts and royalty and of course the young and beautiful. Portraits of the Duke of Edinburgh, jolly threesomes in Belgravia with assorted misbehaviour.’ Andrew Lloyd Webber reveals all about his risqué new musical about the Profumo affair - and how it kept him going through nine months of crippling back pain Hang on Andrew, the Duke of Edinburgh? Have your libel lawyers had a look at this? ‘We say he had his portrait done by Ward. We can’t say anything else,’ he twinkles irreverently.

‘If you go to Cliveden [Lord Astor’s former stately home in Berkshire] there’s a portrait of Prince Philip Ward did in 1962.’ Cliveden is now a five-star hotel, but 50 years ago it was the setting for Britain’s most notorious sex scandal, when Ward introduced showgirl Christine Keeler to War Minister Jack Profumo at... well, let’s just say a particularly jolly party there. She was also said to be sleeping with a Russian spy posing as a naval attaché, Yevgeny Ivanov. Cue lyrics, ‘Who came in the front entrance? You sent Jack out the back. Any chance it could have been a Russian spy? Did you mention missiles, in the sack with old Jack? Was Ivanov chatty when he stroked your thigh?’ When the affair broke and Profumo was forced to resign after lying to the House of Commons that he had not slept with Keeler, the Establishment needed a scapegoat. It chose Ward. RELATED ARTICLES Share this article Share He was charged with living off immoral earnings and procuring prostitutes, but took an overdose of sleeping tablets before the last day of the trial and died three days after being found guilty.

‘Mandy Rice-Davies [a friend of Keeler’s, who also gave evidence at the time] told me, “If Stephen Ward was a pimp he’d have been bloody bankrupt. He never did a thing”,’ says Andrew. ‘He was a life-enhancer on absolutely every level. Whether or not you approve of all the areas of life he enhanced, that’s another thing. But some people believe this was the greatest miscarriage of justice in British history. ‘The whole thing was a Greek tragedy of little events that led, not only to the bringing down of the government, but to the suicide of Stephen Ward. He ended up as a waxwork in the Chamber of Horrors at Madame Tussauds next to the acid bath murderer. How on earth did that happen to the most sought-after, urbane guy who knew everyone from Kennedy to Gandhi to Churchill? He had a list of [osteopathy] clients that was like a Who’s Who of fashionable London.’ Stephen Ward with Christine Keeler Which leads us to those operations.

Ten days ago, Andrew had a ‘huge steroid epidural’ in his spine to ease the dreadful pain he’s been suffering for nine months following a visit to – and you really couldn’t make this up – an osteopath. To sort out ‘a bit of tightness in my thigh’, Andrew had a deep acupuncture needling in the side of his buttock, which is apparently standard practice. Since that appointment he’s had 14 general anaesthetics – two major operations and 12 painkilling procedures. He now has problems with his sciatic nerve and a prolapsed disc. Doctors now believe the deep needling ‘nicked a big vein in a very unusual position’, which bled onto the sciatic nerve. ‘The pain has been appalling,’ says Andrew. ‘At one point I couldn’t move or get out of bed or anything. I developed blood clots because I’d been completely inactive. Then they thought – because the pain was so much – I had an infection in the bones so they gave me pills which gave me a tummy infection.

It’s like a French farce.’ He’s now calling for the General Osteopathic Council’s professional guidelines to be changed so that ultrasound must be used for deep needling, so if anyone has a vein in a strange position, as he did, it will be spotted. It’s astonishing Andrew’s managed to write a single song in the past year, let alone compose a musical. Not only has he written the melodies, he’s arranged the orchestration, the first time he’s done so since Evita – and the result is pure genius. ‘I just said to the doctors, “You have one task, get me to December 19th.”’ That will be the opening night. ‘They’d wanted to do another [back] operation, but it’s six weeks before you can even think of working. I said, “B******s to that.” Truth is, I can’t have any more painkilling operations because it’s too dangerous to do any more. So once the show opens I’m going away. At that point I’ll have to get another set of opinions about what’s going on.’ How will he cope when this last epidural wears off? He shrugs.

‘I don’t know.’ In truth, he doesn’t seem to care about much beyond opening night. ‘Even when you’re not feeling great the show is still the most important thing. It keeps you going. I had cancer [he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009] right the way through Love Never Dies.’ He says this in the sort of matter-of-fact way you might talk about toothache. ‘That’s completely gone. All of that’s recovered very well actually. It’s amazing how the nerves come back.’ ‘At one point I couldn’t move or get out of bed or anything. I developed blood clots because I’d been completely inactive' He had his prostate removed to maximise his chances of recovery, but the treatment left him impotent. When I met him a couple of years ago at a time when he had ‘a stack of melodies in the locker’ but no musical to put them in, he told me, ‘It doesn’t obsess me, but the nerves do come back. So, while I’m not Casanova Volume II, I’m no longer completely out of call to combat.’ And today? ‘People did say after two or three years... it’s quite surprising...’ Enough Andrew.

Back to Stephen Ward. ‘Let me play you the orgy scene,’ he sparkles. ‘The famous scene with the Man in the Mask whose identity is hidden to this day.’ He’s referring to the mysterious man who served dinner to Ward’s guests wearing only a small apron and a mask and whose name has never been revealed – leading to speculation he was a Cabinet minister or minor royalty. Cue, ‘Here you can have it off with some old English toff. Who is that in the mask? They won’t say, so don’t ask. Could be some Royal Duke possibly King Farouk. You never had it so good. You never had it so often.’ For all his mischief, Andrew isn’t sure whether he’d have liked Stephen Ward. Fascinating? Yes. But the sort of bloke you’d want to organise your 65th birthday, which Andrew celebrated earlier this year? Probably not. ‘I’ve never had a load of affairs.’ He says he doesn’t have a high sex drive.

‘An awful lot of one’s sex drive goes into the music anyway.’ He’s supported in his passion by his ‘terrific other half’ Madeleine, who’s a ‘brilliant mother’ to their children Alastair, 21, William, 20, and Isabella, 16, and a supportive stepmother to his two children, Imogen 35, and Nicholas, 32, from his first marriage to Sarah Hugill. She’s also brought order to his world since they married in 1991 after his second marriage to Sarah Brightman had collapsed. Andrew says he’s the ‘luckiest man on the planet’. The real Mandy and Christine leave court during Stephen Ward's trial in 1963 The genesis of the new musical – which is directed by Richard Eyre, produced by Robert Fox and written by Christopher Hampton and Don Black – was down to a series of quirks of fate. ‘I’d had the idea of the Profumo affair suggested to me more times than I’d had hot dinners.

I thought, “Not interested at all.” Then I was chatting to Geoffrey Robertson [the human rights barrister] at a party and he said, “It’s the greatest travesty of justice in history.” I went home and Googled Stephen Ward and I was up until 4am.’ A chance dinner with Hampton and Black followed, during which the subject came up again. ‘After that I was on Front Row [the Radio 4 arts programme] and said I was thinking of a musical about Stephen Ward. The next day I got a letter from Mandy Rice Davies’s lawyer saying she’d like to make sure the facts were correct. She came round here and talked to me for three hours about Stephen and how he became a scapegoat. Having decided, “This is one of the most interesting women I’ve met in a very long time,” I thought, “If Chris and Don are on for this I think I’m on.”’ The show is now cast with Alexander Hanson as Ward, Charlotte Spencer as Keeler and Charlotte Blackledge as Rice Davies. So Andrew, do you feel in your bones you’ve got a hit on your hands? ‘I think I’ve done a very good score,’ he says cautiously.

‘And I’m certainly very pleased with it in rehearsals, but things can go wrong – like with this...’ He gestures to his sound system, which has packed up again before he’s able to play the catchy song 1963, that marks the end of the first act. Thankfully the glitch is temporary. ‘You can never work out in life how anything’s going to go,’ he continues. ‘Take [Cameron Mackintosh’s] Les Misérables. Three or four years ago it was closing around the world and there was no film likely. Susan Boyle comes along and does that I Dreamed A Dream and the show has now become the biggest musical around the world. Just that one little thing turned it around. She could have just as easily have gone on and done Memory [from Andrew’s Cats].’ He twinkles good-humouredly. Not only has he written the melodies, he's arranged the orchestration, the first time he's done so since Evita - and the result is pure genius ‘I rather wish she had. I haven’t seen the [Les Mis] film but it’s fantastic for musicals because everybody wants to make them again.

Universal has now got Cats out of the drawer in which they locked it years ago when they bought the rights and suddenly they’re talking about a film.’ He shrugs. ‘You never know in life. We never knew whether the public was going to love Cats until the moment we saw a cat go on stage. It could have been the most terrible moment of bathos in musical theatre. I remember sitting backstage waiting for the response. Somehow we got away with it.’ Cats, of course, was one of the longest-running shows in musical history and won numerous awards. Will he get away with Stephen Ward? ‘I’ve no idea. People might not like the subject,’ he says. But given the way he’s fizzing, I guess he’s got a pretty good hunch they’ll love it – Royal Dukes aside. Stephen Ward is in previews at the Aldwych Theatre from 3 December.

Featured Topic: ANDREW LLOYD-WEBBER News, Articles and Videos - Page 2 CATS Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber Swims With His Cat, Fez by Michael Dale - August 18, 2015 Poolside fun with the composer and his feline friend - while a revival of his smash hit based on T.S. Eliot's collection of feline poems enjoys new success at Blackpool, Sir Andrew takes a holiday swim with his Turkish Van named Fez.v ( more... ) Andrew Lloyd Webber Talks Wanting One More Hit, New Song for CATS, Plus Return of JOSEPH, SUNSET, & More by Sally Henry - August 2, 2015 With long-running smash hits like THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and CATS, Andrew Lloyd Webber is ready for a new musical hit- and a fresh take on his classics. ( more... ) by Pat Cerasaro - July 18, 2015 New York City will whistle a new tune this December! ( more... ) by Pat Cerasaro - June 22, 2015 SUPERSTAR hits the amphitheater! ( more...

) by Pat Cerasaro - May 28, 2015 SUPERSTAR hits the amphitheater! ( more... ) by Pat Cerasaro - May 22, 2015 SUPERSTAR hits the amphitheater! ( more... ) Andrew Lloyd Webber Makes Statement on State of West End Theatres by BWW News Desk - April 20, 2015 Just last week, theatre legend Andrew Lloyd Webber gave a speech at the London Press Club Awards, in which he mentioned that he thought most West End Theatres are not "fit for purpose". In response to the extensive coverage of his speech, Lloyd Webber said: ( more... ) BWW Review: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Buzzes the Omaha Community Playhouse by Christine Swerczek - March 6, 2015 Omaha Community Playhouse resurrected the 1971 Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice rock opera 'Jesus Christ Superstar' last night. The musical, based on the last week in the life of Jesus, is told from the perspective of Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus.

The original Broadway production created a buzz with a nod to contemporary issues from the hippie subculture of the 60's and 70's. ( more... ) BWW Reviews: Don't Miss Riverside's Crowd-pleasing MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER by Jeffrey Walker - January 20, 2015 THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER might be a show Riverside Center has to bring back again real soon. But your job is to get tickets to it now. Patrick A'Hearn has assembled a winning cast to showcase more than 30 songs from the great and near great Webber musicals. Fans of CATS, EVITA, and even STARLIGHT EXPRESS can revel in songs from these and a dozen other titles. ( more...

) Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS to Screen as Part of PBS's GREAT PERFORMANCES Next Month by TV News Desk - October 15, 2014 Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats, the second longest-running Broadway musical (only surpassed by Lloyd Webber's own 'The Phantom of the Opera'), and fourth longest-running West End musical, returns in high definition and digital sound to Great Performances where it had its 1998 world television premiere. The special encore presentation will air Friday, November 21 at 9 p.m. ET on PBS (check local listings) as part of the PBS Arts Fall Festival. ( more... ) Andrew Lloyd Webber Will Make Appearance at Cheltenham Literature Festival by BWW News Desk - October 2, 2014 Award-winning composer and producer Andrew Lloyd Webber is the latest name to join the line-up for The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival this weekend. Andrew is appearing with Geoffrey Robertson QC in the Profumo affair event, 'Stephen Ward was Innocent, OK', on Saturday 4th October at 9 pm. ( more...

) Andrew Lloyd Webber Endorses UK Assisted Dying Bill by Pat Cerasaro - July 21, 2014 World renowned composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber candidly discussed his serious consideration of suicide following major surgery last year in a recent interview and now has moved to endorse the UK Assisted Dying Bill. ( more... ) Andrew Lloyd Webber Comments On Considering Committing Suicide Post-Surgery by Pat Cerasaro - July 19, 2014 World renowned composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber candidly discusses his consideration of suicide following major surgery last year. ( more... ) Andrew Lloyd Webber's STEPHEN WARD Closes at the Aldwych Theatre Today by BWW News Desk - March 29, 2014 The West End production of Stephen Ward will complete its run at the Aldwych Theatre today, 29 March 2014. ( more... ) 'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for March 12th, 2014 by Paul W.

Thompson - March 12, 2014 The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Cats,' 'Evita' and 'Joseph' all appear, Broadway In Chicago brings new shows and old friends, the 'Annie' film, 'Rent' and next year at the Paramount, two versions of JRB's first show, and Davenport's dishes out the talent. ( more... ) Andrew Lloyd Webber Comments on STEPHEN WARD Closing: 'Fools Give You Reasons, Wise Men Never Try' by BWW News Desk - February 27, 2014 In a letter to The Daily Telegraph, Andrew Lloyd Webber refuted the idea that his latest West End musical, STEPHEN WARD, is closing early because 'he was too much of a 'lone ego' on the project'. The West End production of STEPHEN WARD will complete its run at the Aldwych Theatre on 29 March 2014. ( more...

) Official: Andrew Lloyd Webber's STEPHEN WARD to Close at the Aldwych Theatre, March 29 by BWW News Desk - February 24, 2014 The West End production of Stephen Ward will complete its run at the Aldwych Theatre on 29 March 2014. Stephen Ward received its world premiere in December last year with a cast led by Alexander Hanson in the title role, Charlotte Spencer as Christine Keeler and Charlotte Blackledge as Mandy Rice Davies. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Stephen Ward has book and lyrics by playwright Christopher Hampton and lyricist Don Black. The production is directed by Richard Eyre with set and costume designs by Rob Howell, lighting design by Peter Mumford, sound design by Paul Groothuis, projection design by Jon Driscoll, and choreography by Stephen Mear. ( more...

) Andrew Lloyd Webber Talks Subject Matter, STEPHEN WARD & More by Pat Cerasaro - January 3, 2014 Internationally celebrated composer Andrew Lloyd Webber discusses his historically-informed new West End musical STEPHEN WARD as well as his unusual choices in subject matter for his musicals as well as much more as part of a new interview. ( more... ) Andrew Lloyd Webber Not Sure How Many More Musicals He Can Afford to Do by BWW News Desk - December 22, 2013 Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose new musical, STEPHEN WARD, opened last week in London's West End, isn't sure how many news productions he's got left in him. ( more... ) Review Roundup: STEPHEN WARD Opens in the West End- UPDATED! by Review Roundups - December 20, 2013 Stephen Ward, which has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and book and lyrics by playwright Christopher Hamptonand lyricist Don Black, opens tonight, 19 December 2013 at the Aldwych Theatre. Let's see what the critics had to say... ( more...

) Andrew Lloyd Webber Sets Out to Prove Stephen Ward's Innocence by BWW News Desk - December 1, 2013 The publication reports that the acclaimed composer will launch a campaign tomorrow with Mandy Rice-Davies and lawyer Geoffrey Robertson, petitioning to 'overturn the 50 year guilty verdict of the man at the centre of the Profumo affair, claiming he was let down by friends who wanted to save themselves.' ( more... ) Andrew Lloyd Webber: WICKED Was Last Musical to Have 'Really Good Songs' by BWW News Desk - November 29, 2013 Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest musical, STEPHEN WARD, is just days away from beginning performance in London's West End. In anticipation, the acclaimed composer opened up to The Telegraph, telling them that he believes the modern musical has left music behind - and he hopes 'WARD' can break today's mold. ( more...

) Photo Flash: Andrew Lloyd Webber & Cast of STEPHEN WARD Appear at Royal Variety Performance 2013 by BWW News Desk - November 26, 2013 Last night Monday 25 November 2013, introduced by composer Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Alexander Hanson (Stephen Ward) and Charlotte Spencer (Christine Keeler) performed The Side of the Sky, at the Royal Variety Performance, from the forthcoming West End production of Stephen Ward. At the end of the evening, Lloyd-Webber, Hanson and Spencer were greeted by Prince Charles. Check out photos below! ( more... ) Andrew Lloyd Webber to Greet Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall at Royal Variety Tomorrow, Cast of STEPHEN WARD Will Perform by BWW News Desk - November 24, 2013 Andrew Lloyd Webber is set to greet Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall as they arrive at his theatre, The Palladium, for the Royal Variety performance tomorrow, 25 Nov., BroadwayWorld has confirmed. ( more...

) Andrew Lloyd Webber Says 'Lucky' Stars Should 'Plug the Gaps' in Arts Funding by BWW News Desk - November 16, 2013 Andrew Lloyd Webber, speaking at the opening of the new school theatre at Arts Educational Schools in Chiswick, London -- which was built from a £3.5 million donation by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation -- talked about 'plugging the gaps' in today's arts funding. ( more... ) "Sex, Scandal and a Songsmith ; Lloyd Webber's Musical 'Stephen Ward' Takes on Profumo Affair of 1960s" by Wolf, Matt - International New York Times, December 26, 2013 | Online Research Library: Questia Read preview Article excerpt Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical, "Stephen Ward," explores the epicenter of the Profumo affair that rocked London in the early 1960s. "Who was Stephen Ward?" Numerous people have asked me the question ever since it was announced that Andrew Lloyd Webber's first musical in almost four years would bear the name of the British osteopath who found himself at the center of a scandal that helped topple a government a half-century ago.

Let's just say to start with that he's another biographical figure drawn from Mr. Lloyd Webber's capacious array to date. And as he did with Eva Peron (in "Evita") and Jesus Christ (in "Jesus Christ Superstar") before, Mr. Lloyd Webber may have wanted to ignite a provocative historical fuse here, too. But if that's the case, he and his colleagues need to burrow far more deeply into the abbreviated life of the actual Stephen Ward than the musical that opened last week at the Aldwych Theater ever manages. With a list of patients that included Ava Gardner, Winston Churchill and Gandhi, the socialite-doctor moved in the elevated circles of the fast-living in 1960s' London. That life included leasing a cottage on the grounds of the Astor family's elegant estate west of the city. It was there by the pool that Ward introduced Christine Keeler, a showgirl some 30 years his junior, to the war minister, John Profumo, and their affair ensued. Ms.

Keeler's simultaneous dalliance with a Russian naval attache and spy by the name of Yevgeny Ivanov only further amplified a political conflagration that resulted in the resignation of Prime Minister Harold Macmillan and the loss of power for the Conservatives, with Ward the hapless fall guy at the suicidal epicenter of it all. (Ward was found guilty of living off the profits of "immoral earnings," or prostitution, but died of an overdose in August 1963, age 50, before his trial had ended.) So far so juicy, you might think, except that the musical fashioned from this tale of high spirits brought balefully low isn't actually very interested in letting the swinging '60s swing (a number early on involving hula hoops notwithstanding). Instead, Mr. Lloyd Webber and his collaborators -- who include Don Black and Christopher Hampton, the book writers and lyricists for his "Sunset Boulevard," and Richard Eyre, directing his first Lloyd Webber musical -- view Ward as a symbol first and a person only a very distant second.

That, in turn, may explain why the show that bears his name proves largely unilluminating about hi m: Once you've acknowledged that Ward was a scapegoat for the social and sexual depredations of the day, you've more or less made your point. Mr. Lloyd Webber's Ward, in the vigorously sung form of the show's capable star, Alexander Hanson, is first seen stepping forward from the same waxworks exhibition to which the show returns him at the end. Mr. Hanson's solo song, "Human Sacrifice," posits Ward as an unwilling victim of the age even as the CliffsNotes- style canter through his life that follows raises more questions than it begins to answer. Who (or what) was Stephen Ward in reality: pimp? voyeur? gadfly? gay? (On that last front, it's worth noting that Ms. … Subscribe to Questia and enjoy: Full access to this article and over 10 million more from academic journals, magazines, and newspapers Over 83,000 books Access to powerful writing and research tools Article details

Question: What was the title of the Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical about the Profumo Affair that flopped in early 2014?
Answer: Stephen Ward