Us Brits have a fascination with money and how much the other person earns, so each year when the Times Rich List is published we all rub our hands and start thinking about the lucky so and so who’s sitting at the top of this list waving down at us “normal folk”.
One things for sure, we all now know that musical theatre is an absolute gold mine, oh yes sir Andrew Lloyd Webber has climbed the branches of this wealthy tree and is sitting comfortably on a huge nest egg. Webber has an estimated wealth of £750m and is the 101st richest person Britain, I know what you’re thinking, bad luck you didn’t get into the 100 richest people in Britain - no…not what your thinking? Of course not, any normal person would probably be swearing right now and saying “what, that crazy old kook from I’d Do Anything is that wealthy” - and the answer is yes, exceedingly!
Webber is actually richer than the Queen, she comes in at a reasonable 264th place and has an estimated wealth of £320m. Imagine that, being richer than the Queen! Webber’s theatrical partner Cameron Mackintosh also made it onto the list in 184th place and at an estimated wealth of £450m.
So with the upcoming production of Oliver! and the ongoing success of the television production “I’d Do Anything” - I’m sure that both Webber and Mackintosh are donning some durable trainers and preparing to climb that money tree to new heights!
Ben Elton is going to be a busy man this year, not only is he penning the sequel to We Will Rock You, but he has also signed up to help Andrew Lloyd Webber with the sequel to Phantom of the Opera. Best known for his Blackadder work, Ben Elton has also had a hand in a few successful musicals. The Little Mermaid lyricist Glen Slater has also signed up for the sequel and will be putting his lyrics to Webber’s music.
The guy we like to call the “King of Theatre”, Andrew Lloyd Webber, turns the grand old age of 60 this year. Will he be donning a paper party hat and nipping down to the local Spar to pick up a victoria sponge for his guests? I think not, good old Webber is going to party hard on a 60th birthday tour across the UK - how very rock and roll! P-diddy would be impressed by Webber’s partying skills as no other celeb has had a celebratory tour for their birthday - Paris Hilton must be pulling at her dad’s jumper as we speak.
All of Webber’s reality TV superstars simply must be involved in his birthday tour - Connie Fisher has already let slip that she’ll be making an appearance. Ladies you’ll just have to wait and see if the Joseph boys will jump on the Webber birthday bandwagon!
So start shopping for your party frock as this is one birthday you wont want to miss.
Stuck for gift ideas? Well look no further than Show and Stay! Whether you want to treat a loved one or just fancy treating yourself, we have THE Christmas gift package to suit any stocking.
Step one: choose a show
From the shining colours of Joseph’s coat to the wild plains of Africa in the Lion King, we have all the TOP West End shows for you to choose from. Dads, mums, daughters and sons - we have something for everyone.
Step two: choose your hotel and pre-theatre dinner.
We have a delightful range of two star to five star hotels in London and a mouthwatering selection of pre-theatre restaurants to sample.
Step Three: Adding an attraction.
Whether you want to see iconic London attractions or get in the festive spirit we have something for you. As Christmas is nearly upon us we have a great selection of festive attractions to add on to your package, including ice skating at the Tower of London and festive fun at Winter Wonderland Hyde Park.
Christmas in London is simply magical and chock-a-block with festive attractions, from Spitalfields Winter Festival to Trafalgar Square Tree Lighting - check out our Christmas events in London page for more information on these activities.
With all the new shows hitting the West End, I think it’s time we pay homage to an old favourite. The Phantom of the Opera opened in the West End in 1986, with Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford in the leading roles. Since then it’s estimated to have been seen by more than 80 million people worldwide and there has never been a seat unsold for the London production - pretty impressive!
The show is one of my favourites… it’s dark edge makes it really gripping and the songs show Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber at the height of their powers. The costumes, sets and special effects are second to none and really conjure up the decadent and dark atmosphere of the haunted Paris Opera House. Let’s not forget about this show - it’s great!
