Andrew Lloyd Webber reveals son Nicholas, 43, is ‘seriously ill’ with stomach cancer

Andrew Lloyd Webber has revealed his eldest son Nicholas is “seriously ill” in hospital while he bravely battles stomach cancer.

The 74-year-old legendary composer said he was “absolutely devastated” when he shared the news in a heartbreaking statement.

Andrew revealed his son, who he shares with ex-wife Sarah Hugill, has been suffering from the disease for 18 months.

The Phantom of the Opera creator made the announcement as he explained why he would not be attending the premiere of his new Broadway musical, Bad Cinderella.

He wrote: “I am absolutely devastated to say that my eldest son Nick is seriously ill. As my friends and family know, he has been battling stomach cancer for 18 months and Nick is now in the hospital.”

Heartbreak: Andrew Lloyd Webber, 74, has revealed his eldest son Nicholas is “seriously ill” in hospital while he bravely battles stomach cancer

Sad: Andrew revealed Nicholas (left), who he shares with ex-wife Sarah Hugill, has been battling the disease for 18 months

“I was therefore unable to attend the recent previews of Bad Cinderella and as things stand I cannot cheer for the wonderful cast, crew and orchestra on opening night this Thursday.”

Before adding: “We are all praying that Nick will turn the corner. He fights bravely with his irrepressible sense of humor, but for now my place is with him and the family.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Nicholas is a successful composer in his own right, having written Fat Friends The Musical as well as numerous TV and film scores.

He is married to musician Polly Whitshire, who appeared on the soundtrack of his father’s film Cats in 2019.

Andrew is also father to Imogen, 44, Isabella, 26, Alastair, 30, William, 29,

It comes after it was recently revealed that Andrew is one of 12 new pieces of music the King has commissioned for his coronation.

Charles personally selected the music program for the ceremony at Westminster Abbey on 6 May, designed to showcase a range of UK and Commonwealth musical talent and styles.

Personally, the monarch has requested that Greek Orthodox music be played in honor of his late father, the Duke of Edinburgh, who died in 2021.

Son: He wrote: “I am absolutely devastated to say that my eldest son Nick is seriously ill. As my friends and family know, he has been battling stomach cancer for 18 months and Nick is now in the hospital. (Nick pictured in 2010 with ex-wife Charlotte Windmill)

Talent: Following in his father’s footsteps, Nicholas is a successful composer in his own right, having written Fat Friends The Musical as well as numerous TV and film scores

No show: The Phantom of The Opera creator made the announcement as he explained why he would not be attending the premiere of his new Broadway musical Bad Cinderella (pictured at the New York Theater in October with star Linedy Genao).

It is performed by the Byzantine Chant Ensemble.

Six orchestral commissions, five choral commissions and one organ commission were created by British composers whose styles span classical, sacred music, film, television and musical theatre.

Lord Lloyd-Webber, known for hit musicals such as Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar, described himself as “incredibly honored” to be asked to compose a new anthem.

He said: “My hymn contains words that borrow slightly from Psalm 98. “I composed it for the choir and organ of Westminster Abbey, the ceremonial brass and the orchestra. “I hope my anthem reflects this joyous occasion.”

A coronation march was created by Patrick Doyle, while a piece by Iain Farrington for solo organ takes up musical themes from countries across the Commonwealth.

Composer: It comes after it was recently announced that Andrew is one of 12 new pieces of music commissioned by the king for his coronation (pictured together in 2018)

Musician: The composer has written one of the 12 new pieces of music commissioned by the king for his coronation

There will also be new work by Sarah Class, Nigel Hess, Paul Mealor, Tarik O’Regan, Roxanna Panufnik, Shirley J Thompson, Judith Weir, Roderick Williams and Debbie Wiseman.

A handpicked gospel choir – The Ascension Choir – will perform as part of the service, as will the Choir of Westminster Abbey and the Choir of His Majesty’s Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace – along with choristers from the Chapel Choir of Methodist College, Belfast , and of Truro Cathedral Choir.

Westminster School’s King’s Scholars will announce the traditional ‘Vivat’ shouts. Soloists include bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel, soprano Pretty Yende and baritone Roderick Williams.

Andrew Nethsingha, organist and choirmaster at Westminster Abbey, will arrange the music and conduct the music during the service.