Sonia Friedman awarded Freedom of the City of London

Sonia Friedman has received the Freedom of the City of London at a ceremony at Mansion House, in recognition of her contribution to the London theatre community.

Since establishing SFP in 2002, Friedman and her team have developed, initiated and produced more than 320 productions, winning 74 Olivier Awards, 62 Tony Awards and three BAFTAs. More than three million people have seen an SFP production in London this year.

Friedman was nominated by Susan Langley, the first woman to hold the title of Lady Mayor of the City of London, and Deputy Keith Bottomley.

Speaking at the ceremony, Friedman said: “It’s an honour to receive the Freedom of the City of London, and I’m especially grateful to Dame Susan Langley, the City’s first ever Lady Mayor, for acknowledging my contribution to London’s theatres and for nominating me.

“London has always been my home. I saw my first play in the West End as a young child, and little did I know then that theatre would become my life. Over the years, I’ve worked in almost every West End theatre, from ushering to working as stage crew, dresser and stage manager, and for the past 25 years as a producer.

“The West End has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I’m immensely proud to stage the majority of my company’s productions here. There is nowhere quite like it. The West End is a jewel in London’s crown, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have played so many different parts in its story.”

Langley said: “London’s theatre is admired around the world, and Sonia has made an outstanding contribution to its success over many years.

“Her passion for theatre, commitment to new work and support for creative talent have helped make the West End the extraordinary cultural force it is today. I am delighted that we are recognising her achievements with the Freedom of the City of London.”

Friedman was named one of the world’s most influential people on the TIME 100 list in 2018 and has been named Producer of the Year at The Stage Awards four times. She has also been recognised as a Variety500 Honoree for seven consecutive years and was included in The Standard 100 in 2024. In 2025, The New York Times described her as “the most powerful producer working in theater [American spelling]” today.