West End impresario and theatre owner Bill Kenwright CBE has been remembered with a new sculpture at his “favourite theatre in the world,” the Liverpool Empire.
A new sculpture, created by acclaimed Liverpool sculptor Tom Murphy, was unveiled as part of the theatre’s 100th-anniversary gala evening for Willy Russell’s musical Blood Brothers.
Watch a segment about the unveiling of the statue on ITV News.
The tribute was revealed by Kenwright’s long-term partner, actress Jenny Seagrove, in a special moment on the ground floor of the Liverpool Empire. The event marked not only the theatre’s milestone but also Kenwright’s enduring legacy in British theatre.
Bill Kenwright, who passed away in 2023, was a prolific theatre producer, director, and chairman of Everton Football Club. Among his many productions, Blood Brothers remains his most successful, with a decades-long run in the West End and frequent tours, including the current UK tour of the show.
Jenny Seagrove said in a statement: “It’s an amazing sculpture. Tom has captured Bill and I’m thrilled. Bill felt that this was his theatre and it was his favourite theatre in the world. He loved this city and he’s never lost his roots. My family and I are so happy that the bust is here. Tom has given my beloved back his cheekbones!”
Liverpool Empire Theatre Director Diane Belding said: “Tom Murphy has done a wonderful job and we’re so happy that Jenny and Bill’s family, including his wider family at Bill Kenwright Ltd Productions, could be here with us to unveil the bust. It’s no accident that Blood Brothers is the production here with us as we celebrate our 100th birthday.”
A memorial service for Bill Kenwright was held in Liverpool in December 2023. West End theatres all dimmed their lights for the producer on 26 October 2023.
The unveiling coincides with Blood Brothers starting a two-week run at the Liverpool Empire, a venue closely tied to Kenwright’s career and passion for theatre.
Blood Brothers is playing at Liverpool Empire until 22 March 2025, and then tours to Peterborough, York, Fareham, Nottingham, Poole, Belfast, and Salford.
Book tickets to Blood Brothers – UK Tour
Related News
See newly-released production images of Vivienne Carlyle, Sean Jones and Joe Sleight in Blood Brothers
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
Latest News
A jaunt through the history of panto: how a flexible theatre form transformed Britain’s Christmas theatre scene
Everything you need to know about West Side Story at the National Theatre
10 reasons we can’t wait for West Side Story
