Tim Rice is a man of many words. He’s been writing lyrics for 60 years, collaborating with some of our most celebrated composers – Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Elton John, of course, and more recently, Gary Barlow. He even wrote some lyrics for Elvis.
Rice wanted to be a rock star, so he sent demo tapes to all the leading record labels. Impressed by his lyrics, a musical publisher introduced him to Lloyd-Webber, and a great songwriting partnership was born.
A teacher friend invited the pair to write a song for a school concert. The result was an early iteration of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The concert was a great success – “This is the first time the parents have enjoyed a school concert”, said the teacher. One of those parents was a leading theatre critic, and a couple of days later, a rave review appeared in the Sunday Times. It pays to be well-connected.
The stage is filled by the band, and four singers, who perform many of Rice’s songs. When he is talking, they all stay on stage and pay attention. For Rice, story is king, and he is convivial and witty. The on-stage lighting mimics a cosy fireplace as he tells us his stories, with the house lights up so that he can connect with his audience.
There are so many great songs here. I loved Shonagh Daly’s flawless, passionate performance of Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, all regal in an elegant gown. Sandy Grigelis is every bit the rock star, bringing us Heaven on their Minds, Judas Iscariot’s first song in Jesus Christ Superstar, with an electrifying stage presence.
Rice is happy to confess to having written some dud songs, among the gems. He sings an extract from one of them himself, featuring the rhyming couplet “I’ve got Kansas on my brain, But I’m stuck in Maine”.
Rice has brought his silverware collection, and we get to see an Emmy, a Tony, and, raising an excited buzz from the audience, an Oscar. But he’s most proud of his Pointless trophy, apparently.
Rice’s life story is fascinating, and he is a master storyteller, relaxed on stage and entertaining everyone in the room. Anyone aspiring to a career in theatre, or as a writer, could learn a lot from him, and musical theatre fans will be in their element at this show. This was a two-hour show, but I could listen to Rice talk for a lot longer. Highly recommended.
You can buy tickets for future tour dates at: Tim Rice – My Life In Musicals: I Know Him So Well Tour
Reviewer: Wendy McEwan
Reviewed: 20th April 2025
North West End UK Rating: