Discover the life and legacy of Andrew Lloyd Webber, one of the most influential figures in musical theatre. From his early beginnings to his iconic achievements, this page delves into the story of a man whose creativity and vision have transformed the stage and inspired audiences around the world. Explore his journey, his impact on theatre, and the passion that drives his extraordinary work.
Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed the scores of some of the world’s most famous musicals. His shows have run continuously in London’s West End for 50 years and ran for 43 uninterrupted years on Broadway.
When the original Sunset Boulevard joined School of Rock, CATS, and The Phantom of the Opera he equalled Rodgers & Hammerstein’s record of four shows running simultaneously on Broadway. He is one of the select group of artists with EGOT status, having received Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards.
In 2022, Lloyd Webber partnered with Michael Harrison to produce new productions of existing work and his future musicals.
This year, CATS: The Jellicle Ball - a reimagined version of CATS inspired by New York's ballroom culture - transferred to Broadway and won three Tony Awards. Off-Broadway, Masquerade - an immersive reimagining of The Phantom of the Opera - received widespread critical acclaim and was recognised with a Drama Desk Special Award for Excellence.
Lloyd Webber owns six London theatres including the iconic London Palladium and Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Reopened in July 2021, the latter was completely restored and renovated at a cost of over £60 million. This was one of the biggest projects ever undertaken by a private theatre owner in recent times. His mantra is that every penny of profit made from his theatres is ploughed back into the buildings for their conservation and development.
Lloyd Webber is passionate about the importance of musical education and diversity in the arts. Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation provides 30 performing arts scholarships every year for talented students with financial need, and supports a range of projects such as the Music In Secondary Schools Trust (MiSST).
In academic year September 2025 - 2026, 14,885 children were given free musical tuition and instruments as part of MiSST's Andrew Lloyd Webber Programme. The Foundation also commissions research into diversity in theatre.
Andrew Lloyd Webber has composed music for globally significant moments. Most recently, he was asked to compose “Make a Joyful Noise”, the anthem for the Coronation of King Charles III.
Andrew Lloyd Webber was knighted in 1992, created an honorary life peer in 1997, and made a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter by King Charles III in 2024. Founded in 1348, this is the highest British civilian honour. Andrew Lloyd Webber is the only person from the arts in the Garter's history granted this personal honour by the monarch.
CATS: The Jellicle Ball was nominated for nine Tony Awards and won three at the 79th annual ceremony at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City, including 'Best Direction of a Musical', 'Best Choreography' and 'Best Costume Design of a Musical'. This is a major milestone for the boundary-pushing Broadway production. Since opening at the Broadhurst Theatre in April 2026, the production has already attracted widespread critical acclaim, alongside recognition from the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards and Drama League Awards.
CATS: The Jellicle Ball was nominated for nine Tony Awards and won three at the 79th annual ceremony at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City, including 'Best Direction of a Musical', 'Best Choreography' and 'Best Costume Design of a Musical'. This is a major milestone for the boundary-pushing Broadway production. Since opening at the Broadhurst Theatre in April 2026, the production has already attracted widespread critical acclaim, alongside recognition from the 2026 Outer Critics Circle Awards and Drama League Awards.
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The boldly reimagined production of CATS: The Jellicle Ball was nominated for 'Outstanding Revival of a Musical' at the 92nd annual Drama League Awards, which was held at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.
The boldly reimagined production of CATS: The Jellicle Ball was nominated for 'Outstanding Revival of a Musical' at the 92nd annual Drama League Awards, which was held at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.
On 12 April 2026, the London revival of Evita was nominated for five Olivier awards and won two, including Rachel Zegler for 'Best Actress in a Musical', and Fabian Aloise for 'Best Theatre Choreographer'. And to make an already incredible evening even more memorable, Rachel Zegler gave a show-stopping performance of 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina', and Andrew presented the Special Award to Elaine Paige, honouring her remarkable contribution to theatre and her enduring legacy in the West End and beyond.
On 12 April 2026, the London revival of Evita was nominated for five Olivier awards and won two, including Rachel Zegler for 'Best Actress in a Musical', and Fabian Aloise for 'Best Theatre Choreographer'. And to make an already incredible evening even more memorable, Rachel Zegler gave a show-stopping performance of 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina', and Andrew presented the Special Award to Elaine Paige, honouring her remarkable contribution to theatre and her enduring legacy in the West End and beyond.
The rock opera that took over the London Palladium's balcony in 2025, Evita, took home five WhatOnStage Awards on 8 March 2026, including 'Best Performer in a Musical', 'Best Musical Revival', 'Best Choreography', 'The White Light Best Lighting Design Award', and 'Best Video Design'. Rachel Zegler won two awards: Best Performer in a Musical for her acclaimed portrayal of Eva Perón, which saw crowds gather in the streets outside the theatre during the show’s 12-week run, and 'Best Concert Event' for her special performance last October, where she was accompanied on piano by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The rock opera that took over the London Palladium's balcony in 2025, Evita, took home five WhatOnStage Awards on 8 March 2026, including 'Best Performer in a Musical', 'Best Musical Revival', 'Best Choreography', 'The White Light Best Lighting Design Award', and 'Best Video Design'. Rachel Zegler won two awards: Best Performer in a Musical for her acclaimed portrayal of Eva Perón, which saw crowds gather in the streets outside the theatre during the show’s 12-week run, and 'Best Concert Event' for her special performance last October, where she was accompanied on piano by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
On 8 June 2025, the broadway revival of Sunset Blvd. was nominated for seven awards and won three at the 78th annual Tony Awards in New York, including the coveted 'Best Revival of a Musical', 'Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical', for Nicole Scherzinger and 'Best Lighting Design of a Musical' for Jack Knowles.
On 8 June 2025, the broadway revival of Sunset Blvd. was nominated for seven awards and won three at the 78th annual Tony Awards in New York, including the coveted 'Best Revival of a Musical', 'Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical', for Nicole Scherzinger and 'Best Lighting Design of a Musical' for Jack Knowles.
The London production of Starlight Express thundered across the finish line with seven incredible wins at the 25th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards at the London Palladium on 9 February 2025. The show won 'Best Musical Revival', 'Best Professional Debut', 'Best Costume Design', 'Best Lighting Design', 'Best Set Design', 'Best Video Design', and 'Best Wigs, Hair & Makeup Design'.
The London production of Starlight Express thundered across the finish line with seven incredible wins at the 25th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards at the London Palladium on 9 February 2025. The show won 'Best Musical Revival', 'Best Professional Debut', 'Best Costume Design', 'Best Lighting Design', 'Best Set Design', 'Best Video Design', and 'Best Wigs, Hair & Makeup Design'.
The London revival of Sunset Boulevard was nominated for 11 Olivier Awards and won seven on 14 April 2024, including 'Best Musical Revival', 'Best Actor in a Musical', 'Best Actress in a Musical', 'Best Director', 'Best Lighting Design', 'Best Sound Design', and 'Outstanding Musical Contribution'. This production also won two Evening Standard Theatre Awards in 2023 and seven WhatsOnStage Awards in 2024.
The London revival of Sunset Boulevard was nominated for 11 Olivier Awards and won seven on 14 April 2024, including 'Best Musical Revival', 'Best Actor in a Musical', 'Best Actress in a Musical', 'Best Director', 'Best Lighting Design', 'Best Sound Design', and 'Outstanding Musical Contribution'. This production also won two Evening Standard Theatre Awards in 2023 and seven WhatsOnStage Awards in 2024.
On 10 June 2018, Andrew Lloyd Webber received a 'Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre' at the 72nd annual ceremony, which was held at the Radio City Music Hall and Broadcasted on CBS.
On 10 June 2018, Andrew Lloyd Webber received a 'Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre' at the 72nd annual ceremony, which was held at the Radio City Music Hall and Broadcasted on CBS.
On 9 April 2017, the London production of School of Rock the musical won the Laurence Olivier award for 'Outstanding Achievement in Music'. It was also nominated for two other awards, including 'Best New Musical' and David Fynn for 'Best Actor in a Musical'.
On 9 April 2017, the London production of School of Rock the musical won the Laurence Olivier award for 'Outstanding Achievement in Music'. It was also nominated for two other awards, including 'Best New Musical' and David Fynn for 'Best Actor in a Musical'.
The 2016 revival of Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre was nominated for six Laurence Olivier Awards and won 'Best Musical Revival' at the annual ceremony on 9 April 2017. This production also won 2 Evening Standard Theatre Awards in 2016, including 'Best Musical' and Tyrone Huntley for the 'Emerging Talent' award.
The 2016 revival of Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre was nominated for six Laurence Olivier Awards and won 'Best Musical Revival' at the annual ceremony on 9 April 2017. This production also won 2 Evening Standard Theatre Awards in 2016, including 'Best Musical' and Tyrone Huntley for the 'Emerging Talent' award.
At the 70th annual Tony Awards on 12 June 2016, the Broadway production of School of Rock was nominated for four awards, including 'Best Musical', 'Best Book of a Musical', 'Best Original Score', and 'Best Actor in a Musical'. The production was also nominated for 5 Drama Desk Awards on 5 June 2016.
At the 70th annual Tony Awards on 12 June 2016, the Broadway production of School of Rock was nominated for four awards, including 'Best Musical', 'Best Book of a Musical', 'Best Original Score', and 'Best Actor in a Musical'. The production was also nominated for 5 Drama Desk Awards on 5 June 2016.
Glenn Close made her West End debut as Norma in a five-week run at the London Coliseum on 4 April 2016, which was presented by the English National Opera. For her performance, Glenn won the 2016 Evening Standard Theatre Award for 'Best Musical Performance'.
Glenn Close made her West End debut as Norma in a five-week run at the London Coliseum on 4 April 2016, which was presented by the English National Opera. For her performance, Glenn won the 2016 Evening Standard Theatre Award for 'Best Musical Performance'.
The Evita film adaptation was nominated for five Academy Awards at the 69th annual ceremony on 24 March 1997. Andrew & Tim Rice won the award for 'Best Original Song' with 'You Must Love Me' performed by Madonna, which has been covered by many different artists over the years. One cover is by Lana Del Ray, which was released on the compilation album 'Unmasked: The Platinum Collection' in 2018.
The Evita film adaptation was nominated for five Academy Awards at the 69th annual ceremony on 24 March 1997. Andrew & Tim Rice won the award for 'Best Original Song' with 'You Must Love Me' performed by Madonna, which has been covered by many different artists over the years. One cover is by Lana Del Ray, which was released on the compilation album 'Unmasked: The Platinum Collection' in 2018.
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On 4 June 1995, the Broadway production of Sunset Boulevard was nominated for an outstanding 11 Tony Awards at the 49th annual ceremony. The show won seven, including 'Best Musical', 'Best Original Score', 'Best Book of a Musical', 'Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical', 'Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical', 'Best Scenic Design', and 'Best Lighting Design'. This production also won the Drama Desk Award for 'Outstanding Actress in a Musical' in the same year.
On 4 June 1995, the Broadway production of Sunset Boulevard was nominated for an outstanding 11 Tony Awards at the 49th annual ceremony. The show won seven, including 'Best Musical', 'Best Original Score', 'Best Book of a Musical', 'Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical', 'Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical', 'Best Scenic Design', and 'Best Lighting Design'. This production also won the Drama Desk Award for 'Outstanding Actress in a Musical' in the same year.
The West End revival of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium was nominated for six Laurence Olivier awards in 1992 and won one. Mark Thompson walked away with the award for 'Best Set Designer' for the production alongside his work on 'The Comedy of Errors' for the RSC at the Barbican.
The West End revival of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium was nominated for six Laurence Olivier awards in 1992 and won one. Mark Thompson walked away with the award for 'Best Set Designer' for the production alongside his work on 'The Comedy of Errors' for the RSC at the Barbican.
On 5 June 1988, the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera was nominated for ten Tony Awards at the 42nd annual event. The show won seven awards including 'Best Musical', 'Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical', 'Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical', 'Best Direction of a Musical', 'Best Scenic Design', 'Best Costume Design', and 'Best Lighting Design'.
On 5 June 1988, the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera was nominated for ten Tony Awards at the 42nd annual event. The show won seven awards including 'Best Musical', 'Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical', 'Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical', 'Best Direction of a Musical', 'Best Scenic Design', 'Best Costume Design', and 'Best Lighting Design'.
On 5 June 1988, the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera was nominated for nine Drama Desk Awards at the 33rd annual event. The show won seven awards including Michael Crawford for 'Outstanding Actor in a Musical', Harold Prince for 'Outstanding Director of a Musical', Andrew for 'Outstanding Music', Andrew and David Cullen for 'Outstanding Orchestrations', Maria Björnson for 'Outstanding Costume Design' and 'Outstanding Set Design', and Andrew Bridge for 'Outstanding Lighting Design'.
On 5 June 1988, the Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera was nominated for nine Drama Desk Awards at the 33rd annual event. The show won seven awards including Michael Crawford for 'Outstanding Actor in a Musical', Harold Prince for 'Outstanding Director of a Musical', Andrew for 'Outstanding Music', Andrew and David Cullen for 'Outstanding Orchestrations', Maria Björnson for 'Outstanding Costume Design' and 'Outstanding Set Design', and Andrew Bridge for 'Outstanding Lighting Design'.
On 7 June 1987, the new Broadway production of Starlight Express received an epic seven Tony Award nominations at the 41st annual ceremony where John Napier walked away with the award for 'Best Costume Design'. Later that year, this production was also nominated for four Drama Desk awards; John Napier won again - this time for 'Outstanding Set Design' and 'Outstanding Costume Design'.
On 7 June 1987, the new Broadway production of Starlight Express received an epic seven Tony Award nominations at the 41st annual ceremony where John Napier walked away with the award for 'Best Costume Design'. Later that year, this production was also nominated for four Drama Desk awards; John Napier won again - this time for 'Outstanding Set Design' and 'Outstanding Costume Design'.
On 7 December 1986, the original London production of The Phantom of the Opera was nominated for three Laurence Olivier Awards and won two, including 'Best New Musical' and Michael Crawford for 'Best Actor in a Musical'. This production also won the Evening Standard Theatre Award for 'Best Musical' in the same year. It then won two more Laurence Olivier Awards for 'Most Popular Show' in 2002 and the 'Magic Radio Audience Award' in 2016.
On 7 December 1986, the original London production of The Phantom of the Opera was nominated for three Laurence Olivier Awards and won two, including 'Best New Musical' and Michael Crawford for 'Best Actor in a Musical'. This production also won the Evening Standard Theatre Award for 'Best Musical' in the same year. It then won two more Laurence Olivier Awards for 'Most Popular Show' in 2002 and the 'Magic Radio Audience Award' in 2016.
On 1 June 1986, Bernadette Peters won the Tony award for 'Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical' for her performance in the Broadway production of Song & Dance, which was playing at the Royale Theater, New York.
On 1 June 1986, Bernadette Peters won the Tony award for 'Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical' for her performance in the Broadway production of Song & Dance, which was playing at the Royale Theater, New York.
On 28 February 1984, Andrew won an award at the 26th annual Grammy Awards for the 'Best Cast Show Album' with the CATS Original Broadway Cast Recording album.
On 28 February 1984, Andrew won an award at the 26th annual Grammy Awards for the 'Best Cast Show Album' with the CATS Original Broadway Cast Recording album.
At the 37th annual Tony Awards on 5 June 1983, CATS was nominated for ten awards and won seven, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Costume Design, and Best Lighting Design.
At the 37th annual Tony Awards on 5 June 1983, CATS was nominated for ten awards and won seven, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Costume Design, and Best Lighting Design.
The original production of CATS received a number of nominations and won 5 awards, including 'Best Musical' at the 1981 Evening Standard Theatre Awards, 'Best New Musical' and Gillian Lynne for 'Outstanding Achievement in a Musical' at the 1981 Laurence Olivier Awards, 'Best British Musical' and "Memory" for 'Best Song Musically and Lyrically' at the 1982 Ivor Novello Awards.
The original production of CATS received a number of nominations and won 5 awards, including 'Best Musical' at the 1981 Evening Standard Theatre Awards, 'Best New Musical' and Gillian Lynne for 'Outstanding Achievement in a Musical' at the 1981 Laurence Olivier Awards, 'Best British Musical' and "Memory" for 'Best Song Musically and Lyrically' at the 1982 Ivor Novello Awards.
Following the opening on Broadway, Evita won the 'Best Cast Show Album' award for the American Premiere Album at the 23rd annual Grammy Awards on 25 February 1981.
Following the opening on Broadway, Evita won the 'Best Cast Show Album' award for the American Premiere Album at the 23rd annual Grammy Awards on 25 February 1981.
In 1980, the original Broadway production of Evita was nominated for ten Drama Desk Awards and won six, including 'Outstanding Musical', Tim Rice for 'Outstanding Lyrics', Andrew for 'Outstanding Music', Patti LuPone for 'Outstanding Actress in a Musical', Bob Gunton for 'Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical', and Harold Prince for 'Outstanding Director of a Musical'.
In 1980, the original Broadway production of Evita was nominated for ten Drama Desk Awards and won six, including 'Outstanding Musical', Tim Rice for 'Outstanding Lyrics', Andrew for 'Outstanding Music', Patti LuPone for 'Outstanding Actress in a Musical', Bob Gunton for 'Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical', and Harold Prince for 'Outstanding Director of a Musical'.
On 8 June 1980, the original Broadway production of Evita won an impressive seven awards at the 34th annual Tony Awards including 'Best Musical', 'Best Book of Musical', 'Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical', 'Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical', 'Best Original Score', 'Best Direction of a Musical', and 'Best Lighting Design'. It was also nominated for four other awards that year.
On 8 June 1980, the original Broadway production of Evita won an impressive seven awards at the 34th annual Tony Awards including 'Best Musical', 'Best Book of Musical', 'Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical', 'Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical', 'Best Original Score', 'Best Direction of a Musical', and 'Best Lighting Design'. It was also nominated for four other awards that year.
In late 1978, the London production of Evita starring Elaine Paige received four nominations at the Laurence Olivier Awards and won two. Andrew & Tim Rice won the award for 'Musical of the Year', and Elaine Paige won the award for 'Performance of the Year in a Musical'.
In late 1978, the London production of Evita starring Elaine Paige received four nominations at the Laurence Olivier Awards and won two. Andrew & Tim Rice won the award for 'Musical of the Year', and Elaine Paige won the award for 'Performance of the Year in a Musical'.
In 1972, the original Broadway production of Jesus Christ Superstar was nominated for five Tony Awards. Later that year Andrew won the Drama Desk Award for 'Most Promising Composer'.
In 1972, the original Broadway production of Jesus Christ Superstar was nominated for five Tony Awards. Later that year Andrew won the Drama Desk Award for 'Most Promising Composer'.
