A celebrated Worcester composer and musical director has been remembered as “one of the UK’s best” following his death earlier this month.
Simon Webb, a former pupil at RGS Worcester and musical director at the Swan Theatre, died on October 11, aged 71.
In a heartfelt tribute, long-time collaborator Kevin Short said: “Simon Webb was a musical director, arranger, composer, musician and, from my experience, one of the UK’s best.
“I first met him when he was in his teens, playing bass in a musical about Hannah Snell at the Swan Theatre, Worcester, he was a formidable force even then.”
Mr Webb went on to study music at the University of York and quickly established himself in the theatre world.
Simon Webb worked on numerous stage productions throughout his career (Image: Kevin Short)
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He was working as musical director and arranger on Mr Short’s first musical Cloud Nine at Perth Theatre in Scotland, it was during this production that he met his wife, Thea Ranft.
Throughout his career, Mr Webb worked on numerous stage productions, including West End shows such as Mary Poppins, Tommy and West Side Story, he also contributed to National Theatre productions and regional tours across the UK.
Mr Webb balanced an impressive career in film, theatre and music with a number of personal passions.
His achievements included work on films such as Tequila Sunrise, Playing Away and Heavenly Pursuits, as well as composing music for productions at the Royal National Theatre.
Alongside this, he remained devoted to cricket, boat-building and sailing, and ran his prolific Music for Sport library music company, which produced nearly 200 albums over the years.
Kevin Short, one of Webb’s long-time collaborators, described him as ‘one of the UK’s best’. (Image: Kevin Short)
Away from the stage and screen, Mr Webb built a successful career in television, composing and arranging music for Delia Smith’s Summer and Winter Collections, Hale & Pace, Mary Berry at Home, and The British Comedy Awards.
He also worked as musical director and arranger for Wogan, Friday/Saturday Night Live, TFI Friday, and Last Night at the Proms.
Mr Webb leaves behind his wife Thea, twin daughters Gabi and Lisa, and four grandchildren: Albie, Grayson, Millie and Frankie.
Mr Short said: “There are so many lasting memories of Simon, and I shall treasure them forever. He was a remarkable human being, and I send my most heartfelt condolences to Thea and all the family, and all his friends. RIP dearest Simon.”