Im not drunk, Im stressed out though.
Ok, the interview, just in case you think Im delusional...
Andrew Lloyd Webber, composer
Interview by Rosanna Greenstreet
Saturday June 2, 2007
The Guardian
West End man ... Andrew Lloyd Webber. Photograph: David Levene
Born in London in 1948, Andrew Lloyd Webber dropped out of Oxford after meeting Tim Rice in 1965. His musical hits include Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, Starlight Express and The Phantom Of The Opera. He is currently searching for a male lead for Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in the BBC series Any Dream Will Do. He is married for the third time and has five children.
When were you happiest?
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When I have a show going.
What is your greatest fear?
Heights - I get vertigo if I stand up.
What is your earliest memory?
Waking up in hospital when I was about three and I'd had appendicitis.
Which living person do you most admire and why?
My wife, Madeleine. She's a rock.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Worry.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Arrogance.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
I had no idea The Sound Of Music starts, on Tuesdays, at 7pm. I was about to go on stage and speak to Connie [Fisher] when I saw, from the wings, an audience!
Aside from a property, what's the most expensive thing you've ever bought?
The Picasso for my Foundation - £17m.
What is your most treasured possession?
Old programmes for shows I made up when I was a boy.
Where would you like to live?
Precisely where I live, Sydmonton.
What would your super power be?
Flying would be useful in the West End.
What makes you depressed?
Needless religious conflict.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I really don't know, I don't really care.
What is your most unappealing habit?
My wife says I can't remember if she has milk in coffee.
What is your favourite smell?
Tobacco plants and jasmine.
What is your favourite word?
'Love.'
What is your favourite book?
The Good Food Guide.
What is your fancy dress costume of choice?
Right now, a nun or a dreamcoat.
Cat or dog?
Cats. I've a rare Turkish swimming cat.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Cheval Blanc 1982.
What do you owe your parents?
From my mother, determination; from my father, melody.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
Madeleine, and I'm very fond of my cat.
What was the best kiss of your life?
Last week - it was Madeleine again.
Have you ever said 'I love you' and not meant it?
No.
To whom would you most like to say sorry and why?
Both my former wives: I shouldn't have wasted their time.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Graham Norton, Stephen Fry, Theo Fennell, the jeweller, and Elton [John].
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
'Actually.'
What is the worst job you've ever done?
Being a guest judge on the Grease casting show in the US in January - an atmosphere like a morgue.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
The first musical version of Jeeves.
If you could edit your past, what would you change?
Jeeves.
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
The Great Exhibition.
How often do you have sex?
As frequently as I possibly can - which is about once a year.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Owning Proserpine, by Rossetti.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
To bring a new audience to musical theatre.
What keeps you awake at night?
Worry about the next show.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
Sanctuary Of The Heart, by Ketèlbey.
How would you like to be remembered?
For having continued the musical theatre tradition I love.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Not to take things too seriously.
Where would you most like to be right now?
At home with my cat.
http://arts.guardian.co.uk/theatre/drama/story/0,,2093544,00.html
"People have their opinions and that doesn't mean that their opinions are wrong or right. I just take it with a grain of salt because opinions are like as*holes, everyone has one".
-Felicia Finley-
Updated On: 6/7/07 at 01:49 AM
