Tributes pour in for West End publicist Janine Shalom, who has died aged 63

Tributes have poured in for theatre publicist Janine Shalom, who has died aged 63.

Shalom was director of theatre PR at Premier for 17 years and before that was at MacDonald and Rutter, following periods at the Almeida and the National Theatre.

John Reiss, Executive Chairman of Premier, said: “As one of the industry’s leading publicists, she has represented everything from the smallest theatre groups to the biggest productions in the West End; and every time she did so with her unique vigour, tenacity and passion.

“She was a titan and for those who knew her or had the privilege to work with her, we share your sense of profound loss. Mostly, we shall miss Janine enormously as a much loved colleague and friend. Our thoughts and love are with her family at this difficult time.”

Bethany Arnold, who previously worked with Shalom before moving to the RSC, said: “Janine was a legend. A beyond brilliant publicist who dedicated her life to theatre. She taught me so much, I still regularly tell myself to ‘think Janine’, and I count myself as incredibly lucky to have known her.”

Elaine Paige tweeted: “Really shocked to hear theatre publicist Janine Shalom has died aged 63. A long time PR, Janine did publicity for many West End shows including Dick Whittington at the Palladium when I was Queen Rat. I only saw her two weeks ago at the first night of Guys and Dolls.”

Producer Sonia Friedman posted a heartfelt message, stating: “We are deeply saddened to learn that our dear Janine Shalom has passed away. She was a loyal, devoted, deeply committed colleague and also a wonderful friend. Janine was the press rep for the very first show I ever produced at the National.

“That show also happened to be the first show that she ever ran press for, too, so we had a lifelong bond. She worked across countless shows with us and was always a tower of strength. A huge sadness for all who knew and worked with her. Janine – I’ll miss your sunny, naughty, wise smile. RIP.”

Sonia Friedman Productions’ creative associate Matt Trueman said: “Janine was a one-off. More than anyone, she knew that crap press wasn’t worth the paper/html it was written on. Guarded her shows like a dragon, and long seemed as big and scary, but once she let you in, she was all wryness and mischief and cut-the-crap candour. RIP indeed.”

Shalom regularly worked on Friedman productions, including the more recent revival of Jez Butterworth’s Jerusalem, Tom Stoppard’s Leopoldstadt and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

She also oversaw press for some of the biggest West End shows, including Hamilton, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, Dear Evan Hansen, the annual Palladium pantomime, Mary Poppins, the all-star Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends concert (which is due to return this autumn) as well as the Bridge Theatre in north London.

Fellow publicist Kate Morley, founder of Kate Morley PR, said: “I owe an incredible debt to Janine Shalom. She employed me with no experience, and quite literally taught me everything I know – she is entirely responsible for my career, and I will never not be grateful. She was a brilliant strategist, who gave theatre everything. Fiercely loyal and entirely brilliant – she will be much missed.”

Theatre publicists Storyhouse tweeted: “Deeply saddened at the passing of Janine Shalom. She was a terrific publicist, and with her energy and devotion, blazed a trail that todays theatre PRs follow. She was a champion of the theatre and never less than great company. Heartfelt condolences to her family. RIP Janine.”