One of the World's Most Highly Reputed Theatre Companies
Andrew Lloyd Webber established an international company in 1977 called The Really Useful Group Ltd. It extends its branches in theatre, television, film, concert and video productions, records and music publishing, magazine publishing, and merchandising. Webber was greatly inspired by a series of children's books called 'The Railway Series', which led him to create Starlight Express. The same also inspired his company's name. In the series, the locomotives were called Really Useful Engines.
The company is mainly involved in the production and management of musicals and plays, but it is not limited to only his written works. RUT also licenses its productions throughout the world. It produces its own shows and has partnered with other companies and producers. Cameron Mackintosh and Bill Kenwright have a long history of producing shows for the company. All you need to catch one of its brilliant productions is Really Useful Group tickets.
A Brief Look at the Company's History
Lloyd Webber founded the company because he wanted authority over the management of his creative works. Since then, the company has owned every Lloyd Webber production and composition. In 1986, RUG floated on the stock market until 1990 when Webber bought the shares, selling 30% to the music and film group Polygram, which would help purchase back the shares. Five years later, Canadian business conglomerate Seagram bought Polygram. At the same time, the RUG stake was handed to Universal, its film and music subsidiary. Webber purchased the 30% stake in 1999 for $75 million, and with it, he got full ownership of the group.
Award-Winning Productions
Really Useful Films handles the production of the film versions of Webber's work. In 2004, it finished The Phantom Of The Opera, which starred Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler. The Joel Schumacher-directed film received three Golden Globe and three Academy Awards. While the films are great, the best way to witness the brilliance of RUG productions is to buy Really Useful Group tickets and catch their live theatre plays and musicals.
Some of its notable past productions and co-productions across Broadway and London are Evita by Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar by Webber and Rice, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Webber and Rice, The Phantom Of The Opera by Webber, Charles Hart and Stilgoe and The Woman in White by Webber and David Zippel. These are only a few of the long list of theatre productions of the RUG. Every production has been hugely successful and continues to do so even today. When you are in London, the world's biggest theatreland, watching live shows is an essential activity. Make your day memorable by catching one of Webber's works or a delightful co-production with Really Useful Group tickets. They are available online for affordable prices. Book yours today!
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