Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, who have collaborated intermittently for more than six decades, appear unlikely to reunite for a full-scale musical project in the near future, following a recent professional dispute. Their latest collaboration, a few songs written for the comedy play *Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas*, which premiered at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre last Christmas, ended with Lloyd Webber’s contributions replaced after a disagreement over rewrites. The new score was composed by Howard Goodall.
Lloyd Webber accepted the assignment as a favor to the producers, who are Rice’s children, Donald and Eva. While Rice provided his characteristic lyrical wit, the partnership dissolved during the production process. Lloyd Webber praised Rice’s enduring skill with lyrics but indicated that a full collaboration of their classic stature is unlikely. “It was lovely to work with Tim again, it always will be,” Lloyd Webber said. “I can see us doing the odd thing again, but a whole complete show, much as I would love it, I don’t think that probably would happen.”
The two have a storied history, dating back 61 years, producing some of musical theatre’s most celebrated works including *Jesus Christ Superstar* (1970), *Evita* (1976), *The Phantom of the Opera*, and *Sunset Boulevard*. Their full-length collaborations have been seminal in the development of modern musical theatre, with recent revivals of *Jesus Christ Superstar* and *Evita* reaffirming the lasting impact of their creative partnership.
Despite this, Rice has expressed skepticism about rekindling the creative spark that defined their early years. In a 2012 interview, he reflected on their collaboration as a remarkable but ultimately time-bound chapter: “We had a great ten years. Very few artistic partnerships last more than ten years, and if they do they tend to go down the tubes.”
Although they have never formally ended their partnership, the two have worked together only sporadically since their peak years. Notable post-heyday projects include the 1986 short musicalette *Cricket*, written for Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th birthday and performed at Windsor Castle, and the Oscar-winning song “You Must Love Me” for the 1996 film adaptation of *Evita*. Additional collaborative efforts involved contributing new songs for a 2011 production of *The Wizard of Oz*.
This latest development with *Sherlock Holmes and the 12 Days of Christmas* suggests that while Lloyd Webber and Rice maintain mutual respect and occasional creative exchange, the prospect of a major new joint musical remains unlikely. Their legacy, however, continues to influence the musical theatre landscape and remains celebrated by audiences worldwide.