The production, based on the 1950s film noir, originally opened in London in 1993, and Close took on the central role of Norma Desmond, a fading film star who ensnares a down-on-his-luck screenwriter, when the play transferred to Broadway the following year (94).

The Fatal Attraction star went on to win one of the seven Tony Awards the show received in 1995.

The new revival will run from 1 April to 7 May next year (16) at the London Coliseum theatre, and Lloyd Webber is delighted to have Close back onboard.

He says, "I am thrilled that London audiences will at last get a chance to see Glenn's performance in the role of Norma Desmond which was so hugely acclaimed in the USA."