West End producer Robert Fox dies aged 73, West End theatres to dim their lights

The Society of London Theatre has announced that all West End theatres will dim their lights this Wednesday, in honour of producer Robert Fox.

Robert Fox, who was part of the Fox acting dynasty, died last week aged 73.

The lights will be dimmed this Wednesday 25 March at 7pm, on the date that would have been his birthday.

SOLT said in a statement that Robert Fox was “one of the most distinguished producers of his generation”.

Fox’s career spanned theatre, film and TV production, including a wealth of major West End and Broadway shows.

Robert Fox. Photo courtesy of Robert Fox Ltd

His West End and Broadway hits included Tim Rice and ABBA’s Chess; Alan Bennett’s The Lady in the Van and Peter Shaffer’s Lettice and Lovage, both starring Maggie Smith; David Hare’s Skylight starring Michael Gambon; Peter Morgan’s The Audience starring Helen Mirren; and The Boy From Oz starring Hugh Jackman.

His recent producing credits included George Clooney in Good Night, and Good Luck on Broadway, a show that is rumoured to be coming to London; and new Broadway musical Gatsby: An American Myth.

Fox also served as an executive producer on Netflix hit The Crown. His film credits included The Hours, and Iris.

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Robert Fox and his wife Fiona Golfar

Tributes paid to Robert Fox

Kash Bennett, President of the Society of London Theatre, said in a statement: “Robert Fox was one of the defining producers of British theatre, whose work on stage and screen left a lasting mark on our cultural life. He brought extraordinary judgement, taste, and distinction to an exceptional body of work, and earned the deep respect and affection of colleagues across our industry. On behalf of SOLT & UK Theatre, I send our deepest sympathies to Robert’s family, friends, and colleagues, and to the many people across our industry who will feel his loss.”

Actor Hugh Jackman said on social media that, “Robert Fox was an integral part of my life, both personally and professionally. He was an exceptional father and husband. He had the unique ability to make everyone feel seen and heard. Robert gave of himself and expected nothing in return. Through the best of times, and yes, the worst of times too, Robert was there. As a producer, his contributions to theater, not only in the United Kingdom, but the world over, were unmatched. He had a unique way of seeing “the big picture”. Robert’s dedication to the performing arts was unmatched. I first worked with Robert on “The Boy From Oz”. That’s where our brotherhood began. His creativity and leadership helped lead to the worldwide success of my arena tour “The Man, The Music, The Show.” Robert was a role model. A supportive force to all who knew and loved him. His extraordinary career spanned decades. That’s because Robert was one of one.”

Producer David Pugh said in a message on X that, “Robert Fox was one of the greatest theatrical producers ever. Every year Robert and I would both laugh as The Stage 100 came around. He was never ever once included in it. He was proud of that.”

Lyricist Sir Tim Rice (Chess) put out a statement via a message to the current Broadway cast of Chess, saying that “We are very sad to say that one of the most inspirational and dedicated supporters of Chess, Robert Fox, has died in England.”

Rice went on to say that, “it’s impossible to overestimate the contribution that Robert made to Chess for over four decades. Most producers would have abandoned ship after some of the crises that Chess went through even before the 1986 London production opened. But the show survived – in great part thanks to Robert’s belief and tenacity. It would not be playing so well at the Imperial today without his unstinting support and belief in the show, and it is a tragedy that he was unable to see it.”

Journalist Alexandra Shulman said in a statement on Instagram: “He was a man of spectacular charm and grace with an impeccable moral compass. He was also one of the UK’s greatest producers of film and theatre allowing talents like Stephen Daldry, David Hare, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Bill Nighy to do their best work. He was surrounded by his five children Chloe, Sam, Louisa, Joe and Molly at home in a room of sunlight and flowers and love. I will be one of the many who will miss him a lot.”

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