Andrew Lloyd Webber Voted Most Influential Figure In Theater

Theater master Andrew Lloyd Webber is the most influential figure in theater over the last decade, a new poll by The Stage newspaper reveals.

The 60-year-old composer - whose memorable compositions include "Memory" from "Cats," "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina" from "Evita," and "I Don't Know How To Love Him" from "Jesus Christ Superstar - was a "hugely important figure on the theatrical landscape," according to The Stage's news editor, Alistair Smith.

The Stage annually lists the top 100 people who contributed to the industry. Cameron Mackintosh, who topped last year's poll, came in second place this year.

Smith continued as quoted by BBC, "It's no surprise that Lloyd Webber has come out on top. Every year, he has been there or thereabouts, holding the top spot in the Stage 100 for six out of the last ten years."

"He has been a hugely important figure on the theatrical landscape and continues to be so."

Rounding up the top 5 are Ambassador Theaters co-founder Howard Panter for the third place, producer David Ian for the fourth place, and producer Nick Thomas and National Theater director Nicholas Hytner both for the fifth place.