Sometimes, these comments don’t land so well. We’re all aware of the unhappiness among cast members who worked on Cinderella and I am sure his PR team could have done without the Jamie Lloyd drama in the headlines.

Other times, his comments demonstrate a humorous side – such as telling journalists his dog, Mojito, was an antidote to the film adaptation of Cats.

"It’s my therapy dog on planes. I just write a note to the airline saying, you know, reason for dog on plane and put: ‘Cats movie.’” he told reporters. You have to admit, it’s rather funny and shows Lloyd Webber has a great sense of humour – even when it comes to the failings of his own work.

This week’s news that Lloyd Webber is a recovering alcoholic, however, struck a different chord and seemed more considered from a PR perspective.

The composer gave an interview with the Sunday Times, in which he revealed he would be auctioning off his wine collection and that he has been receiving support after struggling with alcoholism.

The very candid interview seemed less in keeping with his sometimes off-the-cuff style and one in which he appeared to come fully prepared to discuss his drinking battle and reveal its consequences.

The last year has been a perfect time to reflect on Lloyd Webber’s incredible body of work

He said: “I am a recovering alcoholic. Sixteen months ago, I decided that I needed help and it’s the best thing that ever happened to me.” 

He added: “You think it’s secret, but it’s not. Everybody knows. I started getting into a downhill spiral and about 18 months ago, the family were in a desperate state. My wife was feeling she couldn’t go on.” 

Such detail is extremely personal – more so than I can remember Lloyd Webber ever having been. But it’s admirable, I think, for someone in his position to share his personal struggles. It reminds us that, without wanting to sound patronising, he’s like anyone else, despite his wealth and success. Nobody is immune to the challenges life throws your way.

“I thought that I was getting away with it. The thing is, I am deeply sorry and I can only apologise to people if I made a mess," he said.

As he prepares to roll out his new musical based on the movie The Illusionist, and start work on another new production, this time inspired by the theft of the Mona Lisa, I hope that this new chapter in his career is one in which he flourishes both creatively and personally.

Building on the recent critical and box-office successes of Sunset Boulevard and Evita, the past year has been a perfect time to reflect on his incredible body of work – with reimagined productions of Phantom of the Opera and Cats: The Jellicle Ball running on Broadway, and with revivals of Jesus Christ Superstar as well as Cats due in London this summer.

Long may this continue, too. He is, in my opinion, one of the best we have.