Worcester composer and musical director Simon Webb dies aged 71

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 12:02 · Archive

Simon Webb, a celebrated Worcester composer and musical director, died on 11 October, aged 71. A former pupil at RGS Worcester and musical director at the Swan Theatre, he was remembered as 'one of the UK's best' by long-time collaborator Kevin Short, who said that when he first met Webb in his teens, 'he was a formidable force even then'.

Webb studied music at the University of York and established himself in the theatre world, working as musical director and arranger on productions including Mr Short's musical Cloud Nine at Perth Theatre in Scotland, where he met his wife, Thea Ranft. Throughout his career, he worked on numerous stage productions, including West End shows such as 'Cats', 'Abbacadabra' and 'The News', and contributed to National Theatre productions and regional tours across the UK.

His achievements also included work on films such as Tequila Sunrise, Playing Away and Heavenly Pursuits, as well as composing music for productions including Nicholas Hytner's 'The Winters Tale' and 'Henry V' at the Royal National Theatre.

How it is being reported

• 'One of the UK's best': Tributes paid to Worcester composer who died at the age of 71A celebrated composer and musical director has been remembered as "one of the UK’s best" following his death earlier this month.Malvern Gazette · 27 Oct, 05:00
• 'One of the UK's best': Tributes paid to Worcester composer who died at the age of 71A celebrated composer and musical director has been remembered as "one of the UK’s best" following his death earlier this month.Worcester News · 27 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Simon Webb · Kevin Short · Thea Ranft · Worcester · Royal National Theatre · Swan Theatre

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