Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group plans to increase the impact of the famed composer's body of work in the worlds of film, TV, and beyond.
The news follows the recent hiring of Charles Farmer, former Executive Vice President of MGM International Television Productions, in the newly created role of Really Useful Group's CEO. Farmer will work with the company's president, Jessica Koravos, who leads Really Useful's global theatrical licensing endeavors.
Really Useful’s David Chance, who has been with Lloyd Webber's company since 2001, has also been named non-executive chairman. Chance succeeds Mark Wordsworth, who plans to focus on his work as the executive chair of Really Useful's LW Theatres.
“The COVID-19 pandemic forced us all to look for new ways to develop, produce, and share our work,” Lloyd Webber said in a statement. “While I am thrilled to see live theatre firmly back on its feet, we also have major ambitions in the worlds of TV, film, the metaverse, and beyond. I am delighted to have Charlie and David on board to help us achieve new and exciting things. As he steps down as our Chairman, I also want to acknowledge the immeasurable contribution of Mark Wordsworth, the Chair of our board for 15 years.”
Farmer added, “I am delighted to be joining Andrew, David, and Jessica and the wider RUG team, a diverse group of very talented individuals, at such an interesting time in the business’ growth. Working closely with Andrew and his truly unique body of work, I share his excitement for the major ambitions we have for RUG to expand into more projects for broadcast, streaming, and film and TV platforms as well as other areas of growth.”
Lloyd Webber's newest musical, a contemporary take on Cinderella, opened in August 2021 at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in the West End. In New York he is represented by Broadway's longest-running production, The Phantom of the Opera, which also continues in London. Among his musicals to make it to the silver screen are Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, The Phantom of the Opera, and, most recently, Cats.
