Over the years, Andrew has collaborated with some of the most talented lyricists, directors, creatives and performers all around the world. In this series, we explore the collaborators that have helped shape and define his legacy. And where better to begin than with the man with whom it all started — Tim Rice.

A letter from an aspiring lyricist

On 21 April 1965, a young aspiring lyricist named Tim Rice took a chance. He wrote a letter to Andrew Lloyd Webber, who had been seeking a collaborator. "I was told you were looking for a ‘with it’ writer of lyrics," Tim wrote. "I wondered if you consider it worth your while meeting me. I may fall far short of your requirements, but anyway, it would be interesting to meet up – I hope!"  

That letter sparked a partnership that would become one of the most significant in musical theatre history. When the two first met, their shared passion for storytelling through music was immediately clear and they soon, began working together, looking for the right subject to turn into a musical. Their inspiration came from an unexpected place—The Wonder Book of Bible Stories.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: From school concert to global phenomenon

Tim and Andrew were drawn to the biblical story of Joseph, captivated by its themes of betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption—all wrapped up in a vibrant, uplifting narrative. They crafted a pop cantata, which was performed for the first time at Colet Court school in 1968.

What originated as a 15-minute piece quickly grew in length and ambition. A second performance followed at Westminster Central Hall, and the growing interest led to a studio recording in 1969. The work continued to develop, and in 1972, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat had its first full-length production at the Edinburgh International Festival. That same year, it opened in London's West End at the Roundhouse, starring Gary Bond as Joseph.

The show’s infectious mix of musical styles—from rock and roll to calypso—helped it stand out. As the production evolved, it transferred to the Albery Theatre in 1973 and was eventually staged at the London Palladium in 1991, starring Jason Donovan.  

Joseph became one of the most successful family musicals of all time, spawning multiple revivals. The Broadway production opened in 1982 at the Royale Theatre, running for over 750 performances, and a 1999 film adaptation starring Donny Osmond would introduce Joseph to a whole new generation.

Jesus Christ Superstar: A rock opera revolution

Following the success of Joseph, Andrew and Tim turned their attention to an even more ambitious project—telling the story of the last days of Jesus Christ through rock music. Initially conceived as a concept album, Jesus Christ Superstar was released in 1970. With its contemporary rock sound and thought-provoking lyrics, the album became a sensation, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard charts.

The commercial success of the album paved the way for a full-stage production, which premiered on Broadway at the Mark Hellinger Theatre in October 1971, directed by Tom O’Horgan. The production sparked controversy for its depiction of biblical events but became a major hit, running for over 700 performances.

London audiences had to wait a little longer—the show did not open in the West End until 1972, at the Palace Theatre, where it ran for an astonishing eight years, making it the longest-running musical in the UK at the time. The success of Superstar cemented Andrew and Tim’s reputation as theatre innovators, proving that musical theatre could embrace contemporary music and tackle bold, complex subjects.

Jesus Christ Superstar has since seen multiple revivals, including a 1996 West End production, a 2012 UK arena tour starring Tim Minchin, and a recent 2016 Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production, which transferred to the Barbican and toured internationally. The 1973 film adaptation, directed by Norman Jewison, introduced Superstar to an even wider audience, further solidifying its place in popular culture.

Evita: The epic that took the world by storm

In the mid-1970s, Andrew and Tim once again broke new ground with their musical telling of Argentina’s iconic first lady Eva Perón’s story. Like Superstar, Evita began as a concept album before becoming a full-stage production in 1978 that premiered in London at the Prince Edward Theatre with Elaine Paige in the title role.  

The show quickly became a critical and commercial success, winning the Olivier Award for Best Musical and transferred to Broadway in 1979, starring Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin. The Broadway production ran for nearly four years and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Evita was not just a theatrical success—it became a cultural touchstone, inspiring productions worldwide and a major 1996 film adaptation starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas. The musical remains a staple of professional and amateur theatre, with revivals staged globally.

Half a century of global success

Across the decades, the partnership of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice has resulted in some of the most enduring musicals in history. Their works have been performed in over 80 countries and translated into multiple languages. Together, they have earned numerous accolades, including EGOT status, with Joseph, Superstar, and Evita collectively winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards.

The impact of their work on musical theatre is undeniable. Jesus Christ Superstar revolutionized the rock opera genre, Evita redefined the biographical musical, and Joseph remains one of the most performed musicals of all time, beloved by school and community groups worldwide. Together they paved the way for innovative musicals that blend contemporary music with traditional storytelling.  

Their work continues to be revived keeping their legacy alive and inspiring generations of composers, lyricists, and performers, influencing everything from Broadway’s golden era to modern pop-influenced theatre.  

2025 and beyond: A continuing legacy

2025 is set to be another landmark year for Andrew and Tim’s collaborations, with major revivals of their most iconic shows in the works.  

Evita will return to the London Palladium in a much-anticipated production directed by Jamie Lloyd, promising a bold new take on this classic musical. The production arrives on the eve of the 50th anniversary of Evita in 2026 and the timeless story and powerful score will no doubt move and inspire audiences in the same way they did all those years ago.

Meanwhile, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat continues on its major UK tour. Opening at the Edinburgh Playhouse in December 2024, this new production features Joe McElderry as Pharaoh at selected venues and will bring the classic musical to audiences in Canterbury, Nottingham, Belfast, Manchester, and more.

Across the Atlantic, later in the year Jesus Christ Superstar will play at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, bringing the show back to its rock concert roots, performed in front of thousands of fans—echoing its early days as a concept album that took the world by storm.

Beyond these revivals, Andrew has once again joined forces with Tim to write a few fun and playful songs for Sherlock Holmes and the Twelve Days of Christmas, a comedy play by Humphrey Ker and David Reed. The show is being produced by Tim’s children Donald and Eva, and Andrew’s involvement in this light-hearted project is a testament to his and Tim's enduring creative partnership and longstanding friendship.

With such a history of innovation and success behind them, who knows what might come next. Even now, the two legendary collaborators continue to meet and exchange ideas, just as they did when they first met as young artists. But one thing is certain—their creative legacy is far from over.

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Stay tuned for the next instalment in this series, where we explore another of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s great creative collaborations.

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