Brand-new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical ‘Stephen Ward’ set to open in December!

Celebrated director Richard Eyre will direct the new musical that charts the rise and fall of famous society osteopath Stephen Ward. Set amongst London’s glitterati and high-flying elite during the swinging 60s, the story focuses on Stephen Ward’s involvement with showgirl Christine Keeler and their subsequent dealings that led to the Profumo affair – one of the 20th century’s biggest political dust-ups and high-profile trials implicating cabinet ministers.

Lloyd Webber has assembled one of the most exciting creative teams to bring this exciting but risky new project to life.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s work is known the world over. Musicals like Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, Starlight Express, The Phantom of the Opera, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind and Love Never Dies have all been created by his musical talents. With seven Tonys and seven Olivier Awards to his name, there is no denying that he knows how to make a West End hit!

Christopher Hampton and Don Black have been brought on board to write the musical’s book and lyrics. Hampton and Black are long-time collaborators, creating such work as Sunset Boulevard and Dracula the Musical together. Hampton’s own plays include When Did You Last See My Mother?, Tales from Hollywood, Les Liaisons Dangereuses, The Philanthropist, White Chameleon, The Talking Cure and Appomattox. He was made a CBE back in 1999. Don Black’s work includes Tell Me On A Sunday, Aspects of Love, Billy, Bar Mitzvah Boy, Bombay Dreams and Bonnie and Clyde. He was awarded the OBO in 1999.

Director Richard Eyre was artistic director of the National Theatre from 1988-1997. His other theatre work includes The Crucible on Broadway, Mary Poppins and Private Lives, both in the West End and on Broadway and, most recently, Quartermaine’s Terms in the West End. As well as a hugely successful theatre career, Eyre has work extensively in film, with credits that include Iris, Stage Beauty and Notes on a Scandal. He was knighted by the Queen back in 1997.

Award-winning choreographer Stephen Mear has been confirmed to choreograph Stephen Ward. Mear has work on West End production such as Betty Blue Eyes, Me and My Girl, Sweet Charity and Hello Dolly.

Tickets for this brand-new musical went on sale at the end of June and it is currently booking through to 1 March 2014. For more information and to view the production teaser trailer, visit: https://www.bestoftheatre.co.uk/stephen-ward