Lloyd Webber is top of theatre bill

Andrew Lloyd Webber has been the most influential figure in theatre over the past decade.

That is the conclusion of The Stage newspaper, which has combined the results of its annual most influential people polls since 1998.

Lord Lloyd-Webber, the writer of hits such as Evita and Joseph as well as a producer and theatre owner, has held the top spot six times. Sir Cameron Mackintosh, another producer and theatre-owner, is close on his heels.

Big commercial names and the stars of the subsidised theatre share the other places.

Michael Grandage, the artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse, is a strong contender to top this year's Stage 100, which has yet to be announced.

The top five

1. Andrew Lloyd Webber (Really Useful Group)
2. Cameron Mackintosh (Cameron Mackintosh Ltd)
3. Howard Panter (Ambassador Theatre Group)
4. David Ian (David Ian Productions)
5= Nick Thomas (Qdos)
5= Nick Hytner (National Theatre)