West End lights to be dimmed for Tom Stoppard

The Society of London Theatre has announced that West End theatres will dim their lights for two minutes at 7pm on Tuesday 2 December in remembrance of renowned playwright Tom Stoppard.

Kash Bennett, president of the Society of London Theatre, said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Tom Stoppard. His extraordinary voice reshaped modern theatre, combining intellectual daring, emotional depth, and razor-sharp wit in work that challenged, moved, and delighted audiences across generations.

“From Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead and Arcadia to Leopoldstadt, his plays broke new artistic ground while reminding us what theatre can do: provoke thought, stir empathy, and reveal the complexity of what it means to be human.

“Born in Czechoslovakia and raised in Britain, Stoppard became one of our most influential playwrights. Over a distinguished career spanning six decades, he won three Laurence Olivier Awards and five Tony Awards, and received an Academy Award for his screenplay for Shakespeare in Love. That recognition attests to the remarkable range and enduring impact of his work on both stage and screen.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and all whose lives he enriched. His loss creates a vast void in our cultural world, and his legacy will continue to inspire.”