Andrew Lloyd Webber

As legendary composer and theatre producer, Andrew's status as one of the leading names in international theatre needs no explanation.

As composer, his musical productions have included Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, Starlight Express, The Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love, The Beautiful Game, Sunset Boulevard and The Woman in White amongst many more.

As well as musical theatre, his work has extended into film where he has composed the scores for such classic movies as The Odessa File and more recently in 2004 he produced a film version of The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Joel Schumacher.

He also owns several London theatres including the Palace and the London Palladium and his awards include seven Tonys, three Grammys, six Oliviers, a Golden Globe, an Oscar, and an International Emmy. He was knighted in 1992 and created an honorary life peer in 1997.

However, it is Andrew's search for new undiscovered talent that has remained a constant throughout his distinguished 40 year career. He has always viewed the finding and nurturing of new talent as an important factor in the ever evolving and much loved world of musical theatre and this has been shown in many of his West End productions.

Now Andrew hands the casting baton firmly over to the public - he wants the nation to pick the Maria they want.