York composer and musical director Simon Webb dies aged 71

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 11:13 · Archive

Simon Webb, a York-based composer and musical director, has died aged 71 from natural causes on October 11.

Simon Webb, a composer and musical director, died on October 11 from natural causes aged 71. He had lived in Haxby for several years and was a father of two and grandfather of four.

Webb studied music at the University of York and became musical director and arranger of his collaborator Kevin Short's first musical, Cloud Nine, at Perth Theatre in Scotland. It was there that Webb met Thea Ranft, whom he later married. Webb wrote and directed scores for York Theatre Royal, working on productions ranging from Shakespeare to Berwick Kaler's pantomimes.

Webb and Short worked together on the first stage production of The Who's Tommy at London's Queen's Theatre in 1979. They later collaborated on Cats at the New London Theatre and Abbacadabra at Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith during the Eighties. Webb also worked on films including Robert Towne's Tequila Sunrise and Horace Ové's Playing Away, and theatre productions including Nicholas Hytner's The Winter's Tale and Henry V.

Short paid tribute to Webb, saying there were 'so many lasting memories' and describing him as 'a remarkable human being'. He expressed his condolences to Webb's family and friends.

York composer and musical director Simon Webb dies aged 71 — Image: The Press (York)

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How it is being reported

‘A remarkable human being’ – tributes to York composer and musical directorTributes have been paid to a “remarkable” York composer after his death aged 71.The Press (York) · 1 Nov, 04:00
‘A remarkable human being’ – tributes to York composer and musical directorTributes have been paid to a “remarkable” York composer after his death aged 71.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 1 Nov, 04:00

In this story: Simon Webb · Kevin Short · York Theatre Royal · York

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