BBC Radio 2 will mark Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 70th birthday with a series of programmes over Easter.

The line-up includes Jo Whiley presenting Andrew Lloyd Webber – Variations, featuring artists performing a famous hit from the Andrew Llloyd Webber songbook. 

For the show, Rick Astley records Don’t Cry For Me Argentina, Ronan Keating performs Tell me On A Sunday, Holly Johnson sings his version of As If We Never Said Goodbye and Anne-Marie performs Whistle Down The Wind. Other artists on board include Imelda May, Jack Savoretti and The Shires.

Jo Whiley said: “These are all such wonderful songs; all of our listeners will have their own favourites. Now they can hear them again, but in a completely different way. I am sure many like me, can’t wait to hear the new versions.”

Melanie C, who played Mary Magdalene in the 2012 arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, will present the story of the rock opera that established Lloyd Webber. Other programming includes Jonathan Ross On Andrew Lloyd Webber, while Michael Ball will introduce archive interviews with the composer from the 1970s in Andrew Lloyd Webber at The BBC.

Lewis Carnie, head of Radio 2, said: “We wanted to make this show to prove how great these songs are and how they stand up to interpretation. These really are at the core of The Great British Songbook and will be performed and interpreted for generations to come.”

PHOTO: (L-R) Leo Green, Rick Astley, Jo Whiley, Lewis Carnie, head of Radio 2

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