The last programme in the series chronicles the emergence of the saviours of the English Musical, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber
Written by TONY STAVEACRE
The partnership was formed in 1965; the first fruit was a musical about Dr Barnardo, which was never produced. Then they struck gold, with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which led in turn to Jesus Christ Superstar and finally to Evita which opened in London eight weeks ago to rave reviews.
Tonight's programme charts their progress, with musical illustrations from every stage of their career: including the very first song ' Love is Here ' - selections from all their musicals (including Andrew's Jeeves) - a song for Elvis, and a song for Bing (by Tim Rice and Marvin Hamlisch ).
The songs are sung, and the story is told, by The Songwriters' resident company: Paul Jones Peter Blake , Stephen Leigh Colin Bennett , Vicki Brown
Marti Webb , Sheila White
Plus a guest appearance by ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER at the piano, and TIM RICE in a straw boater.
Musical director PETER MARTIN Musical associate PETER MURRAY Choreography GILLIAN GREGORY
Make-up artist CHRISTINE BEVERIDGE Sound ADRIAN STOCKS
Lighting DUNCAN BROWN
Designer BERNARD LLOYD-JONES Producer TONY STAVEACRE Director KEITH CHEETHAM