Theatres across the UK to dim their lights and pay tribute to Bill Kenwright

Theatres across the UK will honour the memory of Bill Kenwright tomorrow evening.

Venues will dim their lights, put tributes on screens or use blue spotlights to mark the passing of the Everton chairman and major theatre producer, who passed away aged 78 earlier this week.

Over the course of his career, Kenwright produced over 500 West End, Broadway, UK touring and international theatre productions, films and music albums. You can read some key tributes to him here.

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.”