Andrew Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group to Move All Operations to London; RUCAP to Close in Sydney

The Really Useful Group ('RUG') announces that it is to increase the size of its production team and to locate all of its global production and first class licensing operations in London. As a consequence, The Really Useful Company Asia Pacific ('RUCAP') based in Sydney is scheduled to close in 2016.

Following the recent success of SCHOOL OF ROCK on Broadway the demand for new productions of Andrew Lloyd Webber's shows has increased markedly and producers and promoters are in many cases seeking global rather than regional licences for their proposed tours. This has led RUG to take the decision to concentrate all its production resources in a single location in order to better promote, manage and control these global licences and tours.

RUCAP was a pioneer in the Asia Pacific market and for over two decades has been very successful in developing the musical theatre industry in that region to the benefit of all participants. RUG intends to continue to increase its business activity in the Asia Pacific region through its existing long-standing partners and new joint venture and co-production relationships.

In addition, RUG is focusing on the development of new works and new content through the establishment of a creative hub in London involving long-term partnerships with young producers and directors. The 300 seat St James Theatre and the 120 seat studio that were acquired in December 2015 will be at the heart of the creative hub and will be used to sponsor and incubate new works from both sides of the Atlantic. Andrew Lloyd Webber will be closely involved in this project both in mentoring new talent and producing new work.

Jessica Koravos, currently VP of Europe and America, will assume responsibility with her team in London for the Asia Pacific region and will oversee all production and professional licensing activities globally.

Andrew Lloyd Webber said: "I would like to thank the staff at RUCAP past and present for their pioneering work throughout the Asia Pacific region and especially for being the first team to open China to musical theatre. Asia Pacific is a hugely important market for my shows and I will personally be ensuring that the focus on this region remains stronger than ever."