One of Britain’s leading theatre producers, Bill Kenwright, died yesterday, 23 October 2023, aged 78.
He had recently been diagnosed with cancer, and had a cancerous tumour removed last week.
Bill Kenwright was one of the UK and West End’s most prolific and successful theatre producers.
His production of Blood Brothers ran in the West End for over 24 years, and his scores of other productions have included a long association with Andrew Lloyd Webber, producing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Whistle Down the Wind, Jesus Christ Superstar, Tell Me on a Sunday, The Wizard of Oz and Evita.
Right up until his death, Kenwright remained an active theatre producer through his Bill Kenwright Ltd production company. Earlier this morning the company announced his latest production, Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical, coming to The Other Palace theatre this January.
His other current shows include Frank and Percy, which is now playing at The Other Palace theatre in Victoria – a venue which his company owns – starring Ian McKellen and Roger Allam; and UK tours of Calendar Girls The Musical, which is also coming to London’s New Wimbledon Theatre on 31 October; Twelve Angry Men starring Patrick Duffy; and hit West End musical Blood Brothers – which is rumoured to be on its way back to the West End.
In recent years Kenwright has also become an active film producer through his BK Studios company, led by David Gilbery. Current movie projects include The Critic, starring Ian Mckellen, Gemma Arterton, Mark Strong and Lesley Manville, directed by Anand Tucker. The film had its premiere recently at the Toronto International Film Festival – read a round-up of reviews for The Critic.
Alongside The Other Palace, Kenwright’s company also owns the Theatre Royal Windsor.
A statement today from his production company, Bill Kenwright Ltd, said that “a celebration of Bill’s life and career will be announced in due course.”
The Society of London Theatre also said that they would put out a statement tomorrow with details of how the West End theatre industry will honour his memory.
Tributes to the producer have poured in from across the theatre company.
The full statement from Bill Kenwright Ltd on behalf of his family and company, said: “Jenny Seagrove, Lucy Kenwright and everyone at Bill Kenwright Ltd are devastated to share the sad news of the loss of a beloved Partner, Father, Grandfather and friend: Bill Kenwright CBE. Following a long battle with illness Bill passed away peacefully last night, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Bill was driven by his passions and devoted his life to them; his deep love of theatre, film, music and his beloved Everton, and the families they created. He impacted the lives of thousands, whether that be through the launching of careers or his unending loyalty, generosity and unfaltering friendship and support. In a multi-award-winning career spanning six decades, Bill produced over 500 West End, Broadway, UK touring and international theatre productions, films and music albums. His impact on the arts industry has been profound. During his time as majority shareholder and Chairman of Everton FC, Bill led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football. We will remember him with huge love and admiration – the shows will of course go on, as he would have wished, and his towering legacy will continue. A celebration of Bill’s life and career will be announced in due course. At this very difficult time we ask for privacy and respect for Bill’s family and friends.”
Actor Jenny Seagrove, who was the partner of Bill Kenwright, said simply on social media: “I lost my darling Bill last night.”
Ambassador Theatre Group, which owns the Phoenix Theatre where Blood Brothers ran for 24 years, said: “Everyone at ATG is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of legendary theatre producer Bill Kenwright. Our West End and UK wide venues have enjoyed a great relationship with Bill for many years, and his productions are a regular highlight in our calendars across the group, from Blood Brothers to Heathers the Musical to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and many more. His passing is a huge loss for the industry, one felt keenly as we reflect on his enormous contribution to it. He will be deeply missed, and our condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues.”
Composer and producer Andrew Lloyd Webber said: “Dearest Bill, Somewhere you’ll be singing Let It Be Me and challenging heavenly choirs to look into your Ebony Eyes. The theatre will miss you and never forget you.”
Lyricist Tim Rice said: “So sad to hear that Bill Kenwright has died. A superb supporter of theatre not just in West End & Broadway but all over the UK. Andrew & I owe him so much as do so many other theatre writers, performers, musicians, theatre owners & producers. And a good guy. Make that great guy.”
Trade body The Society of London Theatre said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Bill Kenwright CBE. His impact on the theatre industry has been profound, and tomorrow we will be sharing details on how we will honour his incredible career.”
Producer Cameron Mackintosh said: “The world of British Theatre without Bill Kenwright seems impossible. Bill, Paul Elliott, Duncan Weldon and I all started our careers about the same time in the mid 60’s. We were very different producers, but equally passionate, carving our careers out of collaborations with all the leading regional theatres where we started our tours, then the occasional West End production and eventually, rather a lot of them. Bill was fearless, prolific and irresistible – he couldn’t bear to see any theatre empty, so he’d conjure up a production almost overnight to fill it! His enthusiasm knew no bounds, employing over his long career tens of thousands of actors – occasionally, including himself – a tireless broadcaster, often also a director and above all, a champion of the people he believed in. And the theatre wasn’t even his day job – his real profession was running Everton! In my lifetime, there has never been anyone like Bill.”
National Theatre artistic director Rufus Norris said: “I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear today of Bill’s passing. He was utterly unique in our world of theatre – the absolute manifestation of the self-made producer – and the stories of his indomitable spirit and energy are legion. His knowledge of theatre, music and of course his first love football were second to none, and his tireless energy (often against impossible odds) defies overstatement. I worked with him closely for years on Festen, Cabaret and The Country Girl, and my debt to his support, rigour and ever-candid advice is huge. His legacy and contribution in providing much-beloved theatre to the whole country, to London and internationally is beyond measure. Rest in peace, Bill – we will not see your like again.”
Actor Ian McKellen, who is currently starring in Bill Kenwright’s production of Frank and Percy at The Other Palace, said: “Like many grateful actors I am in debt to Bill Kenwright for employment. “Frank & Percy” at his @TheOtherPalace will be his last theatre production. And “The Critic,” will be his last film. We were young together, when he was in Coronation Street and I was dipping a toe into Shaftesbury Avenue. Since then, I have admired the resilient way in which he encouraged theatre to thrive in London and in the regions, whether it was yet another tour of that wonderful musical “Blood Brothers” or sponsoring the Peter Hall Company in the classics. In private, Bill relished gossip and loved to reminisce. He seemed to have known everyone in the business and to care about them. Yet every chat would vere round to his equal passion – Everton football. The city that gave us The Beatles and two major football teams, also bred a unique impresario. Whether the West End lights will be turned off in his memory, certainly our business will be dimmer now he has gone.”
Playwright Willy Russell, who wrote Blood Brothers, Bill Kenwright’s most successful production, said: “I ‘m shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Bill Kenwright. My thoughts are with Jenny, Lucy, Adam and the rest of the family at such a painful and difficult time. Bill’s commitment to his twin passions of theatre and Everton FC was total and unstinting and his loyalty and devotion to Blood Brothers was unwavering from the the first time he came to see it. RIP Bill.”
Producer Sonia Friedman said: “Bill Kenwright was a force of nature. One of the theatre industry’s biggest and most passionate personalities – almost an institution. He was a friend and supporter, an ever-witty ally, always full of banter and pearls of wisdom, who would lift my spirits whenever we spoke. I want to offer my thoughts and condolences to Bill’s family and loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in Peace.”
Producer Paul Taylor Mills, who is artistic director of Bill Kenrwright Ltd’s The Other Palace, said: “I’m heartbroken to share that Bill passed away peacefully last night. He was surrounded by his family, close friends and showered with love. Those close to me know that the man was like a Dad to me. It was the unlikeliest of pairings but it worked because it rooted in a deep respect, love and loyalty for each other. The legacy he leaves is impossible to comprehend. He changed my life and was my fierce protector. He invested huge amounts in me knowing he’d never see it again, but more importantly he invested his love, patience and trust. I will miss him dearly and make sure his legacy lives on through our shows.”
Actor Elaine Paige said: “Am still in shock over news this afternoon that Bill Kenwright has died. A tour de force of theatre worldwide who I’d known for over 40 yrs. Not only a friend but he produced ‘Piaf’ & ‘The Misanthrope’ for me. My love & thoughts to his family especially Jenny Seagrove.”
Actor Michael Ball said: “I adored Bill. We worked together on Sondheim’s Passion and became good friends. He was so supportive, funny, passionate and driven. My heart breaks for Jenny and his family. A giant in our industry and we are all the poorer for loosing him. Rest in peace lovely man.”
Everton Football Ball, of which Kenwright was Chairman, put out a statement saying: “Everton Football Club is in mourning following the death of Chairman Bill Kenwright CBE, who passed away peacefully last night aged 78, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Everton’s longest serving chairman for more than a century, Bill Kenwright led the Club through a period of unprecedented change in English football. A lifelong Evertonian, he became a board member on October 23, 1989, and then on Boxing Day 1999 his True Blue Holdings consortium acquired the Club. Initially vice-chairman, he succeeded his close friend Sir Philip Carter as Chair in 2004. In his 19 seasons as Chairman, the Club secured 12 top eight finishes, including a top four finish in 2005, a run to the 2009 FA Cup final and European qualification on 6 separate occasions. The club has lost a chairman, a leader, a friend, and an inspiration. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Everton are with his partner Jenny Seagrove, his daughter Lucy Kenwright, grandchildren and everybody who knew and loved him.”
Related News
Blood Brothers announces autumn tour cast, with Vivienne Carlyle returning as Mrs Johnstone
The Critic starring Ian McKellen as the West End’s most feared critic lands on Netflix
West End comedy Frank & Percy to get film version starring Ian McKellen, Roger Allam, Stephen Fry & Ncuti Gatwa
Bill Kenwright honoured at Liverpool Empire with new sculpture
Latest News
Broadway legend Patti LuPone returns to the London Coliseum for Valentine’s Day 2027
Helen of Troy never got to tell her side. Watch the trailer for the play that does
After a sell-out world tour, The Choir of Man returns to the West End this Christmas
