Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest musical Stephen Ward is to close after just five months in the West End - that's three months less than the Spice Girls production Viva Forever managed. Webber's musical had announced an extension until the end of May, though the last performance will now take place on March 29 2014.

Andrew Lloyd WebberAndrew Lloyd Webber's Stephen Ward Is To Close

It's a huge blow for Webber, who had spoken highly of the musical during the promotional campaign before Christmas. The show's producer Robert Fox said the production was "possibly Andrew's best score in years, paired with some of the finest writing and lyrics Don [Black] and Christopher [Hampton] have ever delivered.

"I am very sad to see the show close in London, but firmly believe this piece will be seen by many audiences in the future."

Stephen Ward's producer Robert Fox said that he hoped the new musical would achieve the same feat in the future, praising Stephen Ward as "possibly Andrew's best score in years, paired with some of the finest writing and lyrics Don [Black] and Christopher [Hampton] have ever delivered.

"I am very sad to see the show close in London, but firmly believe this piece will be seen by many audiences in the future"

Andrew Lloyd WebberAndrew Lloyd Webber May Have To Quit Making Musicals

The musical directed by Richard Eyre focused on the Profumo affair and specifically the osteopath who introduced the politician John Profumo to Christine Keeler. According to The Guardian, the show has been playing to half full houses for the last month, with tickets reduced from £67.50 to £39.50.

Lloyd Webber said in December that he may not be able to afford to continue writing musicals, "The costs of doing musicals have risen absolutely hugely," he said. "I don't think I've got enough money to do very many more."