Unlike previous productions for which the television format found stars - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and The Sound of Music - Lloyd Webber will have no producer's stake in the revival of Lionel Bart's Oliver! During the television series "Any Dream Will Do," which discovered Lee Mead for the role of Joseph, the BBC received complaints from some London producers for giving Lloyd Webber's shows undue promotion.
The names of the producers were not revealed, but it appears the BBC has listened and deemed that Lloyd Webber may only be involved as judge for its latest casting show.
The rights for Oliver! are controlled by Cameron Mackintosh, who will produce the production.
The Daily Mail reports that the television show will cast contestants, who will compete for the roles of Nancy and the Artful Dodger, in the New Year. The BBC reality show will be broadcast in the spring.
No date for the West End revival of Oliver! has been announced, but it will be based on Sam Mendes' 1994 production.