Childhood and Education Journey of Andrew Lloyd Webber in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Andrew Lloyd Webber, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Andrew Lloyd Webber is a highly successful English composer and impresario, renowned for his contributions to musical theatre. He has created 21 musicals, as well as other compositions spanning various genres. His work has achieved exceptional longevity, with several productions running for over a decade in both London's West End and on Broadway, solidifying his impact on the world of musical theatre.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1914: William Lloyd Webber Birth

In 1914, William Lloyd Webber, Andrew Lloyd Webber's father, was born. He was a composer and organist.

1921: Jean Hermione Johnstone Birth

In 1921, Jean Hermione Johnstone, Andrew Lloyd Webber's mother, was born. She was a violinist and pianist.

March 1948: Birth

In March 1948, Andrew Lloyd Webber was born at Westminster Hospital in London. His father was William Lloyd Webber, and his mother was Jean Hermione Johnstone.

March 1948: Andrew Lloyd Webber Born

In March 1948, Andrew Lloyd Webber was born in London, England, marking the beginning of the life of the influential composer and impresario.

1960: Westminster School

From 1960, Lloyd Webber was a Queen's Scholar at Westminster School.

1963: Enrollment at Eric Gilder School of Music

In 1963, Andrew Lloyd Webber enrolled as a part-time student at the Eric Gilder School of Music while working on a Genghis Khan musical called Westonia!.

1965: Studies at Royal College of Music

In 1965, Andrew Lloyd Webber abandoned his history course at Magdalen College, Oxford, to study at the Royal College of Music in London to pursue his interest in musical theatre.

July 1971: Marriage to Sarah Hugill

In July 1971, Andrew Lloyd Webber married Sarah Hugill, the youngest daughter of Lieutenant-Commander Antony Hugill and Fanny née Gore Browne.

1971: Views on Religion in New York Times Interview

In 1971, Andrew Lloyd Webber stated in an interview with The New York Times that he is agnostic but views Jesus as "one of the great figures of history".

November 1983: Divorce from Sarah Hugill

In November 1983, Andrew Lloyd Webber divorced his first wife, Sarah Hugill. They had two children together.

March 1984: Marriage to Sarah Brightman

In March 1984, Andrew Lloyd Webber married English soprano Sarah Brightman in Hampshire. He later cast her in lead roles in his musicals.

January 1990: Divorce from Sarah Brightman

In January 1990, Andrew Lloyd Webber divorced Sarah Brightman. However, they remained close friends and continued to collaborate professionally.

February 1991: Marriage to Madeleine Gurdon

In February 1991, Andrew Lloyd Webber married Madeleine Gurdon in Westminster. They have three children together.

1992: Founding of Watership Down Stud

In 1992, Andrew Lloyd Webber and his third wife, Madeleine, founded the Watership Down Stud.

1996: Purchase of Kiltinan Castle Stud

In 1996, Andrew Lloyd Webber and his wife expanded their equestrian holdings by purchasing Kiltinan Castle Stud near Fethard in County Tipperary, Ireland.

1997: Made a Life Peer

In 1997, Andrew Lloyd Webber was made a life peer, sitting for the Conservative Party in the House of Lords.

2003: Exhibition at the Royal Academy

In 2003, the Royal Academy presented an exhibition of works from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Victorian painting collection, titled "Pre-Raphaelite and Other Masters – The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection".

2005: Use of Song in Conservative Party Film

In 2005, Andrew Lloyd Webber allowed his song "Take That Look Off Your Face" to be used in a Conservative Party promotional film.

November 2006: Withdrawal of Picasso Painting from Auction

In November 2006, Andrew Lloyd Webber withdrew his painting Portrait of Angel Fernández de Soto by Pablo Picasso from auction, following a claim that the previous owner had been forced to sell it under duress in Nazi Germany.

2009: Surgery for Prostate Cancer

In late 2009, Andrew Lloyd Webber underwent surgery for early-stage prostate cancer, followed by readmission to the hospital with a post-operative infection in November.

January 2010: Declares Cancer Free

In January 2010, Andrew Lloyd Webber announced that he was cancer-free after having his prostate completely removed as a preventative measure.

June 2010: Sale of Picasso Painting at Auction

On June 23, 2010, Andrew Lloyd Webber's painting Portrait of Angel Fernández de Soto by Pablo Picasso was sold at auction for £34.7 million to an anonymous telephone bidder.

August 2014: Signatory Against Scottish Independence

In August 2014, Andrew Lloyd Webber was among 200 public figures who signed a letter to The Guardian opposing Scottish independence.

2014: Designed Cats-Themed Paddington Bear Statue

In 2014, Andrew Lloyd Webber designed a Cats-themed Paddington Bear statue for a charity auction in London to benefit the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

October 2015: Involvement in Contentious House of Lords Vote

In October 2015, Andrew Lloyd Webber participated in a controversial House of Lords vote on proposed cuts to tax credits, facing criticism for flying in from abroad on his private plane to vote.

2015: Limited Voting Record in House of Lords

By the end of 2015, Andrew Lloyd Webber had voted only 33 times in the House of Lords.

October 2017: Retirement from the House of Lords

In October 2017, Andrew Lloyd Webber retired from the House of Lords, citing an incompatible schedule due to upcoming Brexit legislation.

July 2021: Statement Against the Conservative Party

In July 2021, Andrew Lloyd Webber stated that he would never vote for the Conservatives again, citing their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and treatment of the arts sector.

2023: Invitation to Ride in King's Procession at Royal Ascot

In 2023, Andrew Lloyd Webber and his wife were invited to participate in the King's procession at Royal Ascot.

2023: Death of Son Nicholas

In 2023, Andrew Lloyd Webber's son, Nicholas, passed away at the age of 43 after battling gastric cancer for 18 months.

2024: House Blessed to Displace a Poltergeist

In 2024, Andrew Lloyd Webber revealed that he had his house in Eaton Square, Belgravia, London, blessed by a priest in an attempt to remove a "poltergeist" haunting the property.