Sir Tim Rice's musical success to be celebrated at tribute event

Sir Tim Rice's latest work From Here to Eternity is running in the West End

A night dedicated to the work of Sir Tim Rice is to celebrate nearly 50 years as a lyricist.

A Night in Song will include music from some of his biggest successes, including Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Evita and The Lion King.

The event, on 8 July at London's Royal Festival Hall, will also see Sir Tim in conversation with host Michael Grade.

Music will be performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra and will be filmed for broadcast later in the year.

Sir Tim, who turns 70 this year, forged a long-lasting partnership with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, with their first success being Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.

It had its first staging as an end-of-year show at a boys' school in 1968.

Following on from this, the pair co-wrote Jesus Christ Superstar, which continues to be revived in the West End and Broadway.

Sir Tim has also collaborated with Sir Elton John on The Lion King and Aida, as well as working with Abba stars Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus on Chess.

He has also won three Academy Awards for film scores from Evita, Aladdin and The Lion King.

His latest work, a musical version of From Here to Eternity, is currently running in the West End, but will close earlier than expected in March.

Performers for A Night in Song will be announced nearer the event.