Andrew Lloyd Webber’s composer son Nicholas dropped his last name to make his own way in theatre

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s composer son, Nicholas, spoke about making his way in the world of theater away from his famous last name in an interview uncovered in 2011.

The 43-year-old previously said he wanted to be “judged on his own merits” so he dropped his last name when working to see what the reaction would be.

It comes after his father Andrew revealed on Sunday that Nicholas is “gravely ill” in hospital as he bravely battles gastric cancer.

The 74-year-old legend said he was “absolutely devastated” when he shared the news in a heartbreaking statement.

Andrew revealed that his son, whom he shares with ex-wife Sarah Hugill, has had the disease for the past 18 months.

And now, in an old discovered interview, he touched on his career and how he wanted to be recognized only for his talent and not for his family connections.

In 2011 and 2012, Nicholas saw his musical adaptation of The Little Prince at the Lyric Belfast.

At the time, he said he was “very nervous” and aware that there would be “attention” on him.

“But I would like to think that the program will be judged on its own merits,” he said. That’s all anyone can ask for.

“For a long time, I put Lloyd on the sidelines, to see what the reaction would be,” he told The Times in 2011.

“I got some stuff on the radio, so I was like, ‘Okay, obviously I’m not a complete idiot.’

So I thought, ‘Wait, if other people are willing to work with me without the last name, then maybe I should move on.’ ‘

Asked if dad, Andrew, has been involved with the project, she added: “He’s too busy for one thing.” We send you Act 1 when we finish it.

“I told him, ‘Be honest, don’t be a dad, be a songwriter.’ And he gave us some notes, some we agreed with, some we didn’t.’

Nicholas followed in his father’s footsteps and is a successful composer in his own right, having written Fat Friends The Musical, as well as numerous film and television scores.

Nicholas is known for composing the music for the BBC One drama Love, Lies And Records and a stage and symphonic version of The Little Prince.

He also produced his father’s Symphonic Suites at London’s Theater Royal Drury Lane and was nominated for a Grammy with his father for a musical theater album for Lord Lloyd-Webber’s Cinderella.

He is married to musician Polly Whiltshire, who appeared on the soundtrack of his father’s 2019 film Cats.

Andrew made the announcement that his son was sick on Sunday and explained why he would not be attending the premiere of his new Broadway musical, Bad Cinderella.

He wrote: ‘I am absolutely devastated to say that my eldest son Nick is seriously ill. As my friends and family know, he has been battling gastric cancer for the past 18 months and now Nick is hospitalized.”

“Therefore, I have not been able to attend the recent previews for Bad Cinderella and, as it is, I will not be able to cheer on its wonderful cast, crew and orchestra on opening night this Thursday.”

Before adding: ‘We’re all praying that Nick comes around the corner. He’s fighting valiantly with his indomitable humor, but for now my place is with him and the family.”

Andrew is also a father to Imogen, 44, Isabella, 26, Alastair, 30, William, 29,

It comes after it was recently revealed that Andrew is one of 12 new pieces of music commissioned by the King for his coronation.

Charles has personally selected the musical program for the May 6 ceremony at Westminster Abbey, which has been designed to showcase a variety of UK and Commonwealth musical talents and styles.

On a personal note, the monarch has called for Greek Orthodox music to be played in tribute to his late father, the Duke of Edinburgh, who died in 2021.

It will be performed by the Byzantine Song Ensemble.

Six orchestral commissions, five choral commissions and one organ commission have been created by British composers whose styles include classical, sacred, film, television and musical theatre.

Lord Lloyd-Webber, known for hit musicals such as Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar, described himself as “incredibly honoured” to have been asked to compose a new anthem.

He said: ‘My hymn includes words slightly adapted from Psalm 98. ‘I composed it for Westminster Abbey choir and organ, orchestra and ceremonial brass. “I hope my anthem reflects this happy occasion.”

Patrick Doyle has created a Coronation March, while a piece by Iain Farrington for solo organ addresses musical themes from Commonwealth countries.

There will also be new work by Sarah Class, Nigel Hess, Paul Mealor, Tarik O’Regan, Roxanna Panufnik, Shirley J Thompson, Judith Weir, Roderick Williams and Debbie Wiseman.

A carefully selected gospel choir, The Ascension Choir, will perform as part of the service, as will the Choir of Westminster Abbey and the Choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, along with choristers from the Chapel Choir of Methodist College, Belfast. , and the Truro Cathedral Choir.

King’s Scholars of Westminster School will proclaim the traditional ‘Vivat’ acclamations. Bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel along with soprano Pretty Yende and baritone Roderick Williams will be among the soloists.

Andrew Nethsingha, organist and master choristers at Westminster Abbey, arranges music and conducts the music during the service.