Andrew Lloyd Webber has completed a new musical inspired by the theft of the Mona Lisa and aims to have it fully open in London by around September next year. The work explores the painting’s rise to fame following its infamous disappearance.

Andrew Lloyd Webber has revealed that his latest musical focuses on the historical theft of the Mona Lisa, with hopes for a London opening by autumn 2024. The composer’s announcement came during a podcast interview with The Independent, where he described the piece as “fully open” by this time next year.

The idea originated from a feature Webber read in The Ties about a year ago, which noted that the Mona Lisa did not gain fame until it was stolen. Before the theft, the painting was displayed in a low-profile section of the Louvre in Paris and was considered an “okay” work by Leonardo da Vinci, not commanding significant attention.

Notably, the museum took two days to realise the artwork was missing following the 1911 heist. The thief was an Italian workman who had intended to steal a different painting by Napoleon but ended up taking the Mona Lisa “by mistake” when the larger piece proved impossible to conceal.

The dramatic theft triggered substantial media coverage and public demand for the painting’s return, which ironically cemented its status as one of the most famous artworks in the world. Webber’s musical aims to dramatize this intriguing twist in art history.

Details such as the venue, production team, and casting for the musical are yet to be confirmed. The project adds to Webber’s extensive portfolio of musicals portraying historical and cultural stories.

This new work highlights how unexpected events can elevate cultural icons and demonstrates the continuing interest in blending historical narratives with musical theatre.