Cameron Mackintosh
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Mackintosh Wins Tourism Award for Theatreland

Cameron Mackintosh (pictured) has been presented with the tourism industry’s top prize – Visit Britain’s Outstanding Contribution to Tourism, part of the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence - for his continued investment in the West End.

Three years ago (See News, 10 Jan 2003), the theatre producer and owner announced his £35 million plans to refurbish seven of his West End venues. Since then, he has spent £7 million on overhauling the Prince of Wales and has refurbished, renamed and relaunched the Novello and Noel Coward Theatres (formerly the Strand and the Albery).

He also plans to create a new £20 million Shaftesbury Avenue complex that will comprise the refurbished Gielgud and Queen’s Theatres as well as a new 500-seat studio space named in honour of American composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim (See News, 25 Jun 2003).

In addition to his theatre-owning duties, Mackintosh continues to produce new musicals in London, including Mary Poppins and, opening in June as the inaugural production in the Noel Coward, the Broadway transfer of Avenue Q (See News, 17 Feb 2006). His hit productions of Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera are the longest-running musicals currently in the West End.

Currently in New York, where preparations for Mary Poppins Broadway premiere this autumn are under way, Mackintosh said in a statement: “Theatre in London has a gigantic role to play in attracting visitors. London and Broadway are unique in the world and are alive with creative energy. London is on an upward spiral: great shows, great shopping and great attractions.”

Previous winners of the Visit Britain top award have included The Queen and the Harry Potter films.

- by Terri Paddock

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