Three cheers for Bill Kenwright, who collected an honorary degree from the University of Liverpool yesterday.
The hard-working West End theatre impresario was said to be “delighted” after picking up the honour at the city’s Philharmonic Hall. His partner, the actress Jenny Seagrove, said that she was “very proud”.
The Liverpudlian, who was born in Wavertree, started as an actor before setting up Bill Kenwright Ltd, which has become one of the world’s most prolific theatre production businesses. His production of Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers has played in the West End since 1988. He is also Chairman of Everton football club.
His other London productions include Dreamboats and Petticoats at the Playhouse Theatre, and he is co-producer of The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium and forthcoming transfer on the National’s The Pitmen Painters at the Duchess Theatre. His company also runs a myriad of UK touring productions including Spamalot, Evita and Joseph.
Channel 4 News journalist Jon Snow also picked up an honorary degree at the ceremony.
Bill was awarded a CBE in 2000 for services to film and theatre, and this latest honour is justly deserved: He continues to be one of the West End’s greatest and most passionate champions.
LINKS
Book tickets to Blood Brothers at the Phoenix Theatre
Book tickets to Dreamboats and Petticoats at the Playhouse Theatre
Book tickets to The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium
Book tickets to The Pitmen Painters at the Duchess Theatre
