Don Black CBE started out as a standup comedian and blames himself entirely for the death of Variety. He made his West End debut as a theatre lyricist with composer John Barry on the musical Billy, starring Michael Crawford at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London.

Don Black received two Tony Awards for best book and lyrics of a Musical for his work (with Christopher Hampton) on Sunset Boulevard, which marked his third collaboration with Andrew Lloyd Webber. They first joined forces to write the song cycle Tell Me On A Sunday which was developed to form the basis of the stage show Song and Dance. They were reunited for Aspects of Love. He also wrote lyrics for the Andrew Lloyd Webber-produced Bombay Dreams.

Awards include an Oscar for his song “Born Free”, five Academy Award nominations, two Tony Awards and three Tony nominations, six Ivor Novello Awards, a Golden Globe and many platinum and gold discs.

He has written a quintet of James Bond theme songs: “Thunderball”, “Diamonds Are Forever”, “The Man With The Golden Gun”, “Surrender” from Tomorrow Never Dies and “The World Is Not Enough.”

Among his many popular songs are two U.S. number ones – “Ben” for Michael Jackson and “To Sir With Love” for Lulu.

He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2008 and honoured, in London, with a BMI Icon Award in 2010.

Don also received the Order of the British Empire in the  Queen’s Honours list.

In 2020, he was awarded the Special Olivier Award for his outstanding services to theatre.

*** NEW *** Don Black CBE returns to the West End to celebrate his lifelong love of cabaret. His brand new revue show will premiere at London’s Fortune Theatre on 26th October and 2nd November, 2025.

With music from some of his most celebrated collaborators including Gary Barlow, Natasha Bedingfield, David Arnold, Alan Menken, Mike Batt and many more, ‘From The Heart’ comes from Don’s deep love of cabaret and Broadway musicals.

‘From The Heart’ features Britain’s Got Talent 2024 winner Sydnie Christmas, alongside Preeya Kalidas and Clive Rowe. Two other star performers and a surprise guest star will bring this exciting show to life.

Directed by Nick Winston (Bonnie & Clyde, Calamity Jane), with musical direction and arrangements by Nick Barstow (Starter for Ten).

Don recalls, “When I spent time in New York, off-Broadway revues were the places to go. They used to sing original songs that would tear your heart out or make you laugh. Stars like Barbra Streisand, Woody Allen, Shirley MacLaine and Doris Day started their careers off-Broadway.”

“A song can do more in three minutes than any other art form. ‘From the Heart’ they come, and to the Heart they stay.”

Book your tickets here: Buy your Tickets here for ‘From The Heart’