Report 22nd November 2011

Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Another large attendance braved the fog, the works at the church and the Co-oP van outside to hear Ken Humphreys from Skelton near York on his ninth appearance at the Forum.  This time he had chosen a more contemporary topic, the Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice collaborated for the first time in 1965 to write a musical “The Likes of Us “, based on the life of Dr. Barnardo.  It was not produced until 2005.  Later musicals like Joseph and Jesus Christ Superstar were successful more quickly as Lloyd Webber proved to be a capable writer of melodic tunes and an astute businessman. 

Evita, Cats and The Phantom of the Opera were his three biggest hits and we enjoyed listening to songs such as “Don’t cry for me Argentina” and “The Music of the Night “ sung by Elaine Page and Michael Crawford.  Phantom of the Opera is still on stage in London after 25 years and is becoming an institution like “The Mousetrap”.

Neil Ramshaw, who has seen Lloyd Webber musical productions all over the country, gave an excellent vote of thanks and Ken as usual received warm applause from our members.                              John Taylor