CPLG Will Represent Webber's PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, CATS, and STARLIGHT EXPRESS

CPLG has been appointed worldwide licensing agent by Andrew Lloyd Webber'sThe Really Useful Group, to represent the composer's best-known, award-winning musicals - The Phantom of the Opera, CATS and Starlight Express.

The Really Useful Group, which is wholly owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber, produces, licenses and promotes Webber's shows and music around the globe.

CPLG will develop a cross-category licensing programme, including apparel, dress-up, gifting, paper and stationery and homewares, which celebrates the themes and captures the iconic logos of these well-loved shows.

The Phantom of the Opera, the longest running musical in Broadway history, tells the love story of a masked figured who lurks beneath the Catacombs of the Paris Opera House. It first opened in October 1986 in London and is now in its 33rd year. It has been seen by more than 145 million people worldwide across 30 countries, and has received more than 70 major theatre awards.

Since its world premiere in 1981, CATS has been presented in over 30 countries, has been translated into 15 languages and has been seen by more than 73 million people worldwide. This year will see the theatrical release of the smash hit musical on December 20th when Universal Pictures and Working Title release the big-screen adaptation of CATS with an ever-growing A-list cast including Jennifer Hudson, Taylor Swift, Ian McKellen, James Corden and Judi Dench.

Starlight Express opened in London in March 1984, taking the revolutionary approach of building a race track all the way around the auditorium. In April 1991, Starlight Express became the second-longest running musical in Londontheatre history, at that time. The show has been produced all over the world from the USA to Japan and Australia. There is also a production in Bochum, Germany, which has been running for over 25 years and has been seen by 15 million people.

The Phantom of the Opera and CATS recently made their first foray into the world of fashion when The Really Useful Group announced a collaboration with US streetwear brand, The Hundreds. Founded in LA and sold worldwide, The Hundreds is one of the biggest players in the streetwear scene and heavily influenced by 80's and 90's skate, punk and pop-culture. This collaboration explores the connecting themes between the theatrical productions and streetwear culture across a range of adult apparel and accessories.

Steve Manners, EVP Business Development, at CPLG, said: "Andrew Lloyd Webber has reigned over the musical theatre world for nearly five decades with fans of his musicals spanning many countries and generations. There is huge potential to capitalise on this universal appeal and we already have some exciting conversations in the pipeline which we will be announcing soon."

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