The City of London has awarded British theatre veterans Dame Rosemary Squire and Sir Howard Panter the Freedom of the City of London.
The honour is in recognition of their outstanding contribution to theatre and the cultural life of London.
The theatre partners, in business and in life, were nominated by Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli, and City Corporation elected Member, Sir William Russell, who both attended their ceremony at Guildhall in London, alongside family members, friends, and colleagues.
Together, Squire and Panter have produced over 300 theatre productions, including Barbican summer hits Anything Goes, and forthcoming musical Kiss Me, Kate, current West End shows The Merchant of Venice 1936 at the Criterion Theatre, and The King and I at the Dominion Theatre, plus The Rocky Horror Show, Jersey Boys, A Strange Loop and many more.
The couple, who were placed 8 in this year’s The Stage 100 most influential people, were the founders of Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd (ATG), building the business up to become a major London, UK and international theatre owner.
Their current business, Trafalgar Entertainment, owns the Trafalgar Theatre in London and a number of regional venues through Trafalgar Theatres, plus produces theatre, and runs a cinema distribution business.
Lord Mayor of the City of London, Professor Michael Mainelli, said in a statement:“Howard and Rosemary are a much respected and formidable double act in the world of entertainment, having produced hundreds of wildly popular shows and owned several wonderful theatres. It is entirely appropriate that their outstanding achievements and contribution to theatre and London’s cultural life are recognised by their Freedom awards today.”
Sir William Russell said: “As a musical theatre lover and avid consumer of arts and culture, it is a pleasure to support the Freedom nomination for Howard and Rosemary who, today, found themselves in the spotlight and in front of an audience for their ceremony at Guildhall. In receiving this award, they follow in the footsteps of many hugely respected figures in arts and culture whose work enriches our lives.”
Dame Rosemary Squire and Sir Howard Panter said in a joint statement: “We are truly honoured to receive the Freedom of the City of London and thank Lord Mayor Michael Mainelli and Sir William Russell, on behalf of the City of London Corporation, for nominating us. London has always played a hugely significant part in our personal and professional lives, and we adore this city, its rich culture, the people, the vibrant way of life, and of course, its world-beating theatre. From very early into our careers, we knew London held a very special place in our hearts. It was from here that we built from the ground up, two global theatre and live entertainment businesses, and we’ve spent our entire careers producing musicals and plays in the West End. London will always have our hearts.”
The Freedom is one of the City of London’s most ancient traditions, believed to have begun in 1237.
Other recent theatre people honoured with the Freedom of the City of London includes theatre impresario Cameron Mackintosh, who was honoured last year.
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