Memories Lloyd Webber’s love affair with musical theatre
The Likes of Us (1965)
An account of the life of philanthropist Thomas John Barnardo, the musical failed to find backing and was first performed at Lloyd-webber’s Sydmonton Festival in 2005 but has never been staged in the West End.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1968)
Lloyd-webber’s musical following the journey of Joseph and his coat of many colours has proven an enduring hit with fans.
Jesus Christ Superstar (1970)
The Gospel-inspired rock opera, which opened in 1971, follows the last days of Jesus Christ, focusing on the fraught relationship between Jesus and his follower, Judas Iscariot, as well as his bond with Mary Magdalene.
Evita (1976)
Madonna subsequently took on the role of Eva Peron, wife of the Argentine President, cementing songs as as Don’t Cry for Me Argentina and Another Suitcase in Another Hall as classics.
Tell me on a Sunday (1978)
A one-woman show, it tells the story of an ordinary English girl from Muswell Hill who journeys to the United States in search of love.
Cats (1981), below
Inspired by poet TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, Cats has been translated into various languages, running for 21 years in London and 18 in New York.
Starlight Express (1984)
This surprisingly poignant story about trains, played by cast members on rollerskates, has proven a hit over the years.
The Phantom of the Opera (1986 )
The story of a masked genius and his obsession with a soprano was the most financially successful show until overtaken by The Lion King in 2014.
Aspects of Love (1989), opposite top
The “aspects” of the title refers to the many forms that love takes in the show: love between couples, both as romantic infatuation and as married people; children and their parents; and hints of same-sex attraction.
Sunset Boulevard (1993)
Based on the film of the same name from 1950, this tale of love and murder in Los Angeles was hugely popular.
Whistle Down the Wind (1998) Based on the 1961 film of the same name, it is set in the Deep South during the 1950s.
The Beautiful Game (2000)
This Northern-ireland set musical, co-written with Ben Elton, follows a group of teenagers during the Troubles.
The Woman in White (2004)
Based on Wilkie Collins’ 1860 novel, the Victorian thriller follows Marian as she seeks justice for her lost half-sister, Laura.
Love Never Dies (2010)
The sequel to his hit, Phantom of the Opera, the show follows Christine Daaé to Brooklyn, where she is unaware that it is the Phantom who has arranged her appearance there.
Stephen Ward the Musical (2013) The retelling of the Profumo scandal had a short-lived run in the West End.
The Wizard of Oz (2011)
Based on the 1939 film of the same name.
School of Rock (2015), below
Jack Black’s turn as unconventional music master was almost begging for a West End adaptation.