NI musical welcome for Bush

Lord Lloyd Webber and Ben Elton with their wives

A musical set during the Troubles and veteran singer Van Morrison will ensure a Northern Irish welcome for US President-elect George W Bush as he takes office.

The Beautiful Game, the musical written by Lord Lloyd-Webber and Ben Elton, and the world famous singer-songwriter from east Belfast are two of the acts in a star-studded gala to celebrate Mr Bush's inauguration later this month.

Also performing in the concert, due to take place on 18 January - two days before Mr Bush is sworn in as the 43rd president - are Ricky Martin and Frasier star Kelsey Grammer.

The show's themes of inclusion and reconciliation will reflect the mood that everyone in Washington will be keen to capture

Lord Lloyd-Webber

Lord Lloyd-Webber will also play alongside performers, who are expected to sing Let Us Love In Peace from the show, which was launched last week in aid of the Northern Ireland Memorial Fund.

The Beautiful Game is a love story set in Northern Ireland at the start of the Troubles, following the fortunes of a youth football team.

Lord Lloyd-Webber said: "The invitation came out of the blue. I am naturally honoured and flattered to have been approached to bring The Beautiful Game to this concert for the president elect."

He added: "I am sure that the show's themes of inclusion and reconciliation will reflect the mood that everyone in Washington will be keen to capture."

The Beautiful Game opened in September in the West End of London

Comedian and novelist Ben Elton, who wrote the lyrics for the musical, said: "When we wrote The Beautiful Game we wanted to cover issues that could come out of the conflicts in Kosovo and Afghanistan, as much as in Northern Ireland.

"Presenting the musical in Washington reinforces that international context."

Lord Lloyd-Webber has previously said the musical has a universal theme, despite the Northern Ireland backdrop.

The Beautiful Game opened in London in September to a celebrity audience, including former British and Irish Prime Ministers, John Major and Albert Reynolds.

The event, in front of the Lincoln Memorial, will feature military bands, skydivers, fireworks, parades and other Hollywood celebrities and singers yet to be announced.