Who Do You Think You Are? Catch up, Series 20: 1. Andrew Lloyd Webber on BBC 1

Who Do You Think You Are?

Series 20: 1. Andrew Lloyd Webber

Andrew Lloyd Webber is a global superstar of musical theatre, still writing and producing blockbuster shows. He has also combined his nose for business with his love of architecture by renovating the Theatre Royal Drury Lane to its original condition. Andrew knows he comes from a musical family, including virtuoso cellist brother, Julian – but he’d love to find out where his showbiz genes and his love of musical theatre come from.\n\nA quick investigation of his own archive reveals a much posher lineage than expected. By following his mother’s line, Andrew soon uncovers his four-times great Uncle Peregrine, who played a key role under Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo. Peregrine in turn leads Andrew to his 12-times great-grandmother Katherine Willoughby, a Tudor duchess and powerful player in Henry VIII’s court who was later persecuted and threatened with death for her religious beliefs. As her dramatic life unfolds, Andrew is not only astonished by her determination and resilience but delighted to learn of her association with some of Britain’s most architecturally important stately homes.\n\nNext, Andrew investigates his father’s side – a much humbler line, with both his grandfather and great-grandfather working as plumbers. With the help of his cousin Anne, he discovers his two-times great-grandfather Henry Simmonds was a missionary who dedicated his life to helping the poor and needy. Described as a ‘real working-class hero’, Andrew is thrilled to find out that Henry was the author of the first architectural guide to Battersea. \n\nAndrew still wants to uncover any musical links, and with the help of genealogist Laura Berry, he finally traces more musicians in the family, including his five-times great-grandfather Henry who has the curious surname Magito – which Andrew soon learns is Dutch. What follows next is a series of extraordinary resonances with Andrew’s own life - an extended family of Magitos, who were not only accomplished musicians, but also showmen and producers making their living by staging the 18th-century equivalent of musical theatre. \n\nBut the coincidences don’t stop there. More investigation proves his five-times grandfather Henry Magito had a brother, Alexis Magito, who was also a cellist. A trip to Leiden uncovers a long-lost sonata written by Alexis that reveals he was an accomplished composer and player for the cello. Andrew can’t wait to return to London to meet with his younger brother Julian and share the extraordinary coincidences of their shared ancestry.

Source: BBC 1

Most recent episodes of Who Do You Think You Are?

Who Do You Think You Are?

Series 18: 2. Dame Judi Dench

Shakespearean actor, movie star and national treasure Dame Judi Dench's journey begins with her father Reginald Dench, who never spoke of his experiences during the First World ...

15-12-2024

BBC 1

All episodes

Who Do You Think You Are?

Series 21: 7. Gemma Collins

Businesswoman, social media phenomenon, reality TV star and self-declared diva Gemma Collins goes in search of her family history. She knows quite a lot about her dad’s si ...

01-10-2024

BBC 1

All episodes

Who Do You Think You Are?

Series 21: 6. Olly Murs

After winning The X Factor in 2009, Olly Murs went on to become a megastar, selling out arenas worldwide. It’s been a rollercoaster journey, but he always returns to his h ...

25-09-2024

BBC 1

All episodes

Who Do You Think You Are?

Series 21: 5. Dame Jessica Ennis-hill

Olympic gold medal winner Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill is one of the world’s greatest track and field athletes. Jess believes her sporting success comes from determination and ...

18-09-2024

BBC 1

All episodes

Who Do You Think You Are?

Series 21: 4. Rose Ayling-ellis

Rose Ayling-Ellis came to fame on EastEnders and captured the nation’s hearts when she won Strictly. Since then, she’s used her platform to campaign for deaf rights. ...

11-09-2024

BBC 1

All episodes

Who Do You Think You Are?

Series 21: 3. Melanie Chisholm

Melanie Chisholm found fame as Sporty Spice in the world-famous girl band The Spice Girls. Today, she’s an award-winning solo artist and believes that her success is partl ...

04-09-2024

BBC 1

All episodes

Who Do You Think You Are?

Series 21: 2. Paddy Mcguinness

Presenter, actor and comedian Paddy McGuinness knows nothing about his family, except for the name of one of his grandparents. With a surname like McGuinness, he’s pretty ...

29-08-2024

BBC 1

All episodes

Who Do You Think You Are?

Series 21: 1. Vicky Mcclure

Actor Vicky McClure was watched by millions when she played Detective Inspector Kate Fleming, tracking down corrupt coppers in Line of Duty. Now, Vicky wants to solve some myste ...

22-08-2024

BBC 1

All episodes

Who Do You Think You Are?

Series 19: 1. Sue Perkins

It's not surprising that Sue Perkins finds plenty of humour in her family tree, even in the poignant stories of an orphaned grandfather and a great-grandfather interned as an en ...

18-07-2024

BBC 1

All episodes

Who Do You Think You Are?

Series 18: 6. Joe Sugg

YouTuber and actor Joe Sugg uncovers some incredible stories in his family tree, with a little help along the way from fellow social media star and big sister, Zoe. Joe, very ap ...

08-07-2024

BBC 1

All episodes