Shortly after being introduced, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber wrote their first musical together in 1965 titled The Likes Of Us based upon the story of Victorian philanthropist Dr. Barnardo who established children's homes for orphans.
The Likes Of Us was not staged until its 40th anniversary when it was performed at Andrew Lloyd Webber's annual Sydmonton Festival on 9 July 2005. The first public performance was on 12 July 2005 at the Mermaid Theatre. It was taped by BBC Radio 2 and broadcast on 21 October 2005. Sir Tim Rice and Stephen Fry were in the cast.
As of 1 September 2008, performance rights for amateur productions of The Likes Of Us became available through the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA).
The principal cast includes Dr. Barnardo and his girlfriend Syrie, the young couple Johnny and Jenny, and the Auctioneer. A Narrator introduces each song as the original show was based upon a book not written by the show's songwriters.