UK theatres pay tribute to Bill Kenwright

Theatres across the UK are to pay their respects to West End impresario Bill Kenwright, who has died at the age of 78.

A number of venues will mark his passing by dimming their marquee lights, putting tributes to his career on their house screens, or washing their theatres in Everton blue, the Premier League football club to which he was chairman from 2004 until his death.

The tribute will be paid tomorrow evening (Thursday) at 7pm.

In a career spanning six decades, Kenwright produced over 500 West End, Broadway, UK touring and international theatre productions, films and music albums.

Eleanor Lloyd, president of the Society of London Theatre, said: “Bill was a theatrical legend – a true impresario whose passion, spirit and enthusiasm had an immeasurable impact on the British Theatre for 60 years.

“We are proud the whole industry can come together to pay tribute to his incredible career. He will be deeply missed across the theatre business and beyond.”

Jon Gilchrist and Stephanie Sirr, co-presidents of UK Theatre, added: “Bill was a titan of the touring theatre circuit. His commitment to regional theatre kept some really key industry establishments alive through tough times.

“He devoted much of his prolific career to productions around the UK and his extraordinary contribution to the sector will not be forgotten. All our condolences are with his loved ones.”