Andrew Lloyd Webber in bitter row over Sherlock Holmes Christmas musical

EntertainmentMusic
22 Oct 2026 • 10:21 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Andrew Lloyd Webber in bitter row over Sherlock Holmes Christmas musical

  • Legendary musical theatre duo Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice appear to have fallen out over their first creative collaboration in 40 years, the murder mystery show Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas.
  • Tim Rice claimed that Lloyd Webber effectively withdrew his score from the project because he no longer wished to be involved with the show, preferring to focus on larger productions.
  • Andrew Lloyd Webber disputed this account, stating that the show's producers decided not to use his music after he refused to sign away his rights for five years without standard creative approval.
  • The production premiered at the Birmingham Rep theatre last year to positive reviews and was produced by Tim Rice's children, Donald and Eva Rice.
  • The rift comes despite decades of success for the pair, who achieved dual EGOT status through hit collaborations such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita, and Jesus Christ Superstar.

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