Andrew Lloyd Webber has revealed that his eldest son Nicholas is “critically ill” with gastric cancer.

The composer will miss the opening of Bad Cinderella in New York at the Imperial Theatre due to his son being hospitalised.

In a statement shared with the PA news agency, Lord Lloyd-Webber said: “I am absolutely devastated to say that my eldest son Nick is critically ill.

“As my friends and family know, he has been fighting gastric cancer for the last 18 months and Nick is now hospitalised.

“I therefore have not been able to attend the recent previews of Bad Cinderella and as things stand, I will not be able to cheer on its wonderful cast, crew and orchestra on opening night this Thursday.

Redditch Advertiser: Andrew Lloyd Webber has written music for shows such as Cats, The Phantom of the Opera and Jesus Christ SuperstarAndrew Lloyd Webber has written music for shows such as Cats, The Phantom of the Opera and Jesus Christ Superstar (Image: PA)

“We are all praying that Nick will turn the corner. He is bravely fighting with his indomitable humour, but at the moment my place is with him and the family.”

Who is Andrew Lloyd Webber's son?

Nicholas, 43, is a composer like his father and has scored music for an adaption of The Little Prince.

He was also nominated for a Grammy for a musical theatre album alongside his father, Greg Wells and David Zippel for Lord Lloyd-Webber’s Cinderella.

His father’s new show on Broadway is a retooled version of London West End’s name Cinderella which takes its name from a key song in the show and has new songs, leading lady and title.