Andrew Lloyd Webber has handed almost quarter of a million pounds to projects in the capital to help train the next generation of West End stars.
The composer, whose string of hit shows include Evita, The Phantom of the Opera and Cats, set up his foundation more than 20 years ago to promote the arts.
He said: “The creative industry in London is thriving, but to retain this vibrancy we need to support the talented young people of all backgrounds who are looking to take their first steps towards a career in the arts.
“I have been lucky enough to enjoy a career doing something I love and am delighted my foundation can support young creatives of the future.”
The money will support projects at venues including the Donmar Warehouse in Covent Garden, which is getting almost £13,000 to help children from state schools perform on its stage, and the Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn which will get £40,000 to train more than 300 young people in directing, acting, lighting and set design.
The Bush Theatre in west London is getting £60,000 over three years to help young writers complete a draft of a full-length play, and there is £25,000 for the English Schools’ Orchestra to give 30 students in Lewisham an insight into the life of a professional musician.
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A grant of £16,485 is going to the Hackney Empire Young Artists Company.
The foundation has given almost £11 million to more than 250 recipients in the last five years. It has previously supported causes including the National Theatre’s Connections scheme as well as funding scholarships for musical theatre students.
Lloyd Webber was also involved in BBC shows to find new talent — including actress Connie Fisher — for West End productions of The Sound Of Music, Oliver! and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
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