Andrew Lloyd Webber’s latest musical, Stephen Ward, is finishing its run at the West End, just three months after its opening. Photo: Yui Mok/PA WireAndrew Lloyd Webber has begun work on new songs for his next theatre project, an adaptation of movie hit School of Rock.
The composer’s company Really Useful Group acquired the stage rights to the film – which starred Jack Black – last year, and he is now writing additional material.
The announcement of his latest project comes just hours after it was revealed Lord Lloyd-Webber’s West End show Stephen Ward is to close. It will end on March 29, a little over three months after its opening night on December 19.
A statement issued on his behalf said: “Andrew Lloyd Webber is currently overseas working on the stage version of the American musical film School of Rock. Andrew is composing additional songs for the new production.”
In the film, Black stars as slacker Dewey Finn who poses as a substitute teacher and attempts to turn his class into a rock group to win a Battle of Bands talent show. It featured music by AC/DC, Cream, Led Zeppelin and The Who. Announcing the closure of Stephen Ward, about the Profumo scandal, producer Robert Fox said: “I am very sad to see the show close in London but firmly believe this piece will be seen by many audiences in the future.”