Ovation Rights has announced the acquisition of Sir Richard Stilgoe’s rights in some of the most iconic musicals in theatre history, including The Phantom of the Opera and Starlight Express.
The deal marks one of the most significant acquisitions of theatrical rights to date, echoing a trend seen in the music industry with artists such as Bob Dylan and Justin Bieber selling their catalogues.
Founded by producer Jamie Hendry and former Amazon executive Philip Green, Ovation Rights brings a new scale and strategy to theatrical rights management, working closely with authors, composers, lyricists, and estates to protect and champion their legacies.
The company’s ambitions are backed by a major capital commitment from funds managed by BlackRock’s Direct Private Opportunities business, with up to $100 million available to support artists and their estates.
Sir Richard Stilgoe said:
“Together with the trustees of my foundation, I have been working closely with Jamie to ensure the custodianship of my work on The Phantom of the Opera, Starlight Express and Cats rests with someone who truly understands and respects the theatre. In Jamie and the team at Ovation Rights, I have found a partner I can trust wholeheartedly to protect and champion the work I am immensely proud of.
Jamie’s deep roots in our industry, coupled with Ovation Rights’ vision for the rights of authors, composers and lyricists, make this partnership a perfect fit. Ovation Rights and The Really Useful Group share my unwavering commitment to preserving and championing the work Andrew and I, together with our many collaborators, created all those years ago, and which I hope audiences will continue to enjoy for many more years to come.”
Jamie Hendry added:
“Richard’s extraordinary contributions have not just shaped British musical theatre, they’ve transformed the global stage. I’m honoured to be entrusted as the custodian of his remarkable legacy and to have helped him unlock the future value of his contributions in these iconic works to support his ongoing charitable work.
In partnering with BlackRock, we are poised to continue investing in artists and rightsholders with significant capital and care, ensuring their contributions endure and thrive for decades to come.”
Ovation Rights was founded in 2023 and already owns a growing catalogue of plays and musicals, combining theatrical expertise with a long-term, innovative approach to rights management.
Sir Richard Stilgoe’s lyrical contributions to The Phantom of the Opera, Starlight Express and Cats have helped define a golden era of musical theatre, with his work performed globally for over four decades.
More information can be found here
