Michael Caine and Andrew Lloyd Webber double up at glittering Spanish birthday bonanza
By Laura Balfour
THE King of musicals certainly celebrated his 60th birthday in style.
Andrew Lloyd Webber – Britain’s most famous musical empresario – invited over 30 close friends to his luxury home in Mallorca for a weekend of festivities.
Lord Webber shared the party with actor Michael Caine, who turned 75, in the same week.
In the most star-studded event the island has seen for years, the glamorous guest list included Melvyn Bragg, Ben Elton, Michael Winner, Roger Moore and Sir Tim Rice.
One of the party planners told the Olive Press: “It was like always. When Andrew calls, people line up to attend”.
Lloyd-Webber chose his favourite hotel, La Residencia, in Deia, as the venue for the big bash.
The birthday weekend included a meal at a well known local restaurant Sebastian with plenty of champagne.
Webber, who is estimated to be worth one billion euros, has owned an estate near the village for years.
The emprasario behind the massive hit musical Cats and Starlight Express, conceived the idea for the show Evita on the island.
He denied claims that the party cost millions, saying: “If I was spending that much, I’d expect to be buying the hotel and the jet.”
The main entertainment was provided by a Mallorcan rock band.
Despite the high cost, the event was small change on his 50th birthday, when 600 friends attended a glittering bash at the Albert Hall.
Michael Caine himself has been a long-time fan of Spain. Aside from a passion for bullfighting he has been a regular visitor to the country, where he filmed a number of movies including The Magician in 1967.
