Webber tops theatre power survey

Andrew Lloyd Webber has had huge success in the West End and Broadway

Andrew Lloyd Webber has been voted the most influential figure in theatre over the last decade by The Stage newspaper.

The industry weekly said Lord Lloyd- Webber had topped six out of its past ten theatre power charts. Cameron Mackintosh came second in the poll.

Lloyd Webber, 60, is best known for creating hit musicals such as Cats and The Phantom of the Opera.

The Stage's news editor, Alistair Smith, said he was a "hugely important figure on the theatrical landscape".

Each year The Stage lists the top 100 people, who at the time of the poll, are contributing to the theatre industry.

"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," said Smith.

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

"Last year's winner Mackintosh, though, has never been far behind and we'll have to wait until later this month to discover who has topped this year's Stage 100."

Ambassador Theatres boss Howard Panter was third in the list, with impresario David Ian in fourth.

David Ian was in fourth place, with panto producer Nick Thomas and National Theatre director Nicholas Hytner tying for fifth.