Theatre world pays tribute to legendary producer John Gale

Tributes have poured in for legendary theatre producer John Gale, who died last week aged 95.

Following school and National Service —where he rose to the rank of Second Lieutenant— Gale trained at the Webber-Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts and began a decade-long acting career before producing his first play, Inherit the Wind, in 1960.

As a prolific London theatre impresario, he produced over 100 productions across the UK and internationally. His West End successes included long-running hits such as Boeing-Boeing, The Secretary Bird, and No Sex Please – We’re British, the latter becoming the longest-running comedy in theatre history. He also brought literary works to the stage, including adaptations of The Wings of the Dove and Where Angels Fear to Tread, and produced the feature film Maroc 7 in 1967.

He held key leadership roles in the theatre industry, serving as president of the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) from 1972 to 1975 and chair of the Theatres National Committee from 1979 to 1985. He played a central role in transforming the SOLT Awards into the Olivier Awards and helped establish the Half-Price Ticket Booth in Leicester Square. In 1983, he joined the Chichester Festival Theatre as its seventh director, where he oversaw the construction of the Minerva Theatre and championed emerging talent, giving early opportunities to the likes of Nick Hytner and Sam Mendes.

Awarded the OBE in 1987 for his contributions to theatre, he also had a passion for rugby, serving as Chairman of London Welsh Rugby Club from 1979 to 1981. After retiring in 1989, he co-founded the BRIT Program at the University of South Florida, continuing his legacy of fostering the arts and education.

Mendes said in a statement: “Passionate, dynamic, opinionated, larger than life – they don’t make them like John Gale anymore. His refusal to take no for an answer was a hugely significant factor in turning the Chichester Festival Theatre into the regional powerhouse it is today.

“He created and built the Minerva Theatre, strengthened the youth theatre, mounted immense community projects, and oversaw and encouraged a steady flow of young talent – myself among them. I learned an awful lot about bravery from John, and – as the person who gave me my first ever job – I also owe him an immense debt of gratitude.”

Sentiments were then echoed producer Cameron Mackintosh, who described Gale as “one of the godfathers of British Theatre”, adding: “From the moment I met him, as a penniless producer in my early 20’s, he became one of my champions – advising and helping me to establish my career. We co-produced several shows together, before John went on to restore the fortunes of the Chichester Festival Theatre during the 1980’s, leaving it solidly solvent and thereby ensuring its’ future.

“John’s longest and proudest run has of course been his amazing marriage to his wonderful wife, Lisel, whom I have been lucky enough to have known and stayed friends with for over 50 years of their record-breaking marriage.”

Chichester Festival Theatre and West End venues will dim their lights for two minutes on 14 May.