Our favourite Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals

He's probably the most well-known name in the world of musicals, and with so many iconic shows written by him, it's no surprise his musicals are always a huge success.

And no, we're not talking about Sondheim! We're talking about Sir Andrew.

From his newer works like Cinderella to classics like Phantom of the Opera, most of us know Andrew Lloyd Webber's beautifully-composed and powerful music, even if you haven't seen the musical!

Our personal favourites are All I Ask of You and Music of the Night, which are just a few of the many beautiful songs he has created.

Whether you're a lover of musicals or new to theatre, Andrew Lloyd Webber is a great option.

There's always an ALW show running somewhere.

We've rounded up some of our favourite picks we think are must-sees.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

This incredible musical has brilliant music and lyrics run throughout.

Having premiered in 1969, the musical was written by legends Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. It has entertained audiences for years. It's even touring this year, in 2022.

The story follows the Bible story of Joseph, Jacob’s favourite son, much to the dismay of his eleven brothers. After being sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph ends up in jail.

While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and soon finds himself in front of the mighty Pharaoh. As Joseph strives to resolve Egypt’s problems, he later becomes the Pharaoh’s right-hand man and finally reunites with his family.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat may be coming to a theatre near you.

Or, if you can't get to theatre, why not grab the DVD?

This version stars Joan Collins, Richard Attenborough and Donny Osmond.

Phantom of the Opera

Phantom of the Opera is perhaps Andrew's most famous musical.

Based on a French novel of the same name, Phantom of the Opera follows the story of a beautiful soprano, Christine Daaé, who becomes the love interest of a mysterious, masked man living beneath the Paris Opéra House where she performs.

It first opened on the West End in 1986 and over the years has won a number of awards.

You can catch "Phantom" in London from July until December.

Again, if you can't make it to the theatre, we have a live concert option for you.

Cats

A story about the secret life of suburban Cats in the form of a musical is rather bonkers on paper, but it remains one of the longest-running musicals internationally.

It's based on the 1939 poetry collection Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot.

It tells the story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles and the things they get up to.

It was recently made into a film starring James Corden, Judi Dench and Jennifer Hudson, but the film was poorly reviewed. So, we're sticking to the stage musical which is much better.

Perhaps you know the song Memory? It's one of our favourites.

Cinderella

Andrew's most recent musical is a revived version of the classic tale of Cinderella.

His version has been written with the help of the brilliant Emerald Fennel. This show, which stars internet superstar Carrie Hope Fletcher, portrays Cinderella in a very different light than what we're used to.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cinderella was at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. You've just missed it.

Why not grab the CD instead?

Jesus Christ Superstar

Another favourite musical penned by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, this musical is loosely based on accounts of the final week of Jesus' life.

Though the music of Jesus Christ Superstar is slightly more rocky than Andrew's other shows and staged in a more contemporary way, the musical handles the last few weeks of Jesus' life very beautifully. It focuses on Judas and his conflict with Jesus and the disciples.

Check out this 2012 Live version of the show starring Mel C.

Evita

Another favourite is Evita.

Evita tells the story of Argentine political leader Eva Perón, who was the second wife of Argentine president Juan Perón.

The story follows her early life, rise to power, charity work, and death. Another collaboration with inspiring lyricist Tim Rice, ALW's Evita hit West End theatres in 1978. During this run, Evita won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical.

Evita is a classic. It's not on stage right now, but Madonna did a version in 1997.

School of Rock

School of Rock is the global hit musical based on the iconic movie starring Jack Black.

Posing as a substitute music teacher at an elite prep school, down-and-out wannabe rock star Dewey Finn exposes his new students to the rock gods he idolises, transforming them into a mind‐blowing rock band. Isn't that awesome?

Featuring music from the film and new songs from Webber, this musical is a wild ride. Packed with a cast of talented kids, the show will warm your heart and blow you away in equal measure.

School of Rock is currently touring the UK right now. Grab some tickets!

If you fancy listening to the soundtrack, here is the cast recording on CD.

Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard is a musical based on the movie - with music by our favourite composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, and lyrics and book by Don Black and Christopher Hampton.

Opening in 1993, Sunset Boulevard has had several long runs and extensive tours.

Sunset Boulevard tells the story of Norma Desmond, a star of the silent film era living in the past. The show is set in a decaying mansion on a street in Los Angeles.

When young screenwriter Joe Gillis crosses her path, Norma sees him as an opportunity to make her return to the big screen. Fabulous!

Unfortunately, Sunset Boulevard is not open right now.

Fancy a listen? Here is the World Premiere recording, featuring Sarah Brightman.

Tell Me on a Sunday

Often forgotten, Tell Me on a Sunday is a one-woman show that has been performed by a number of famous women over the years.

It tells the story of a young woman who travels to America in the hopes of finding love.

Here is a Cast Recording of the show by Denise Van Outen.

Starlight Express

Starlight Express certainly offers audiences something very different at the theatre.

This musical tells the tale of a young steam engine called Rusty, who races in a competition against modern engines in the hopes of impressing a desirable modern carriage, Pearl.

The whole show is performed on skates, which is impressive to watch. It's a real high-energy musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Don Black and Charles Hart.

Why not give the soundtrack a go?

Aspects of Love

Based on the 1955 novella of the same name, Aspects of Love was written by Lloyd Webber and accompanied by Don Black and Charles Hart for the lyrics.

The piece focuses on the romantic entanglements of actress Rose Vibert, her admiring fan Alex Dillingham, his underage cousin Jenny, his uncle George, and George's mistress, sculptor Giulietta Trapani, over a period of 17 years. Fancy!

The musical gave us one of Andrew's most famous songs, Love Changes Everything.

Fancy a listen to the rest of the musical? Here is the soundtrack on CD: