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Post by westendboy on Oct 24, 2023 14:38:09 GMT
Been hearing some rumours on Twitter (X) that Mr. Kenwright has passed away. No source to back these up, so take with a pinch of salt.
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Post by theglenbucklaird on Oct 24, 2023 14:46:36 GMT
Yeah had loads of texts from Blues today. Tony Bellew posted a tear earlier. Liverpool does like a rumour but doesn't sound good
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Post by sph on Oct 24, 2023 15:17:47 GMT
It all seems to be based on rumours circulated by football fans so far. The only "theatre person" to have tweeted anything about it as far as I can see is Mark Shenton.
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Post by partytentdown on Oct 24, 2023 15:35:36 GMT
Considering Shenton considers himself a journalist, he should know that journalism rule number 1 is that you don't say someone's died until you have a firm source. It's why the BBC don't post anything about deaths even if it's basically confirmed everywhere else.
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Post by drfootlights on Oct 24, 2023 15:40:26 GMT
It’s not his news to share. Really bad form to jump the official announcement, which will be due anytime soon from BKL and Everton.
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Post by stevejohnson678 on Oct 24, 2023 16:04:53 GMT
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Post by theatreliker on Oct 24, 2023 16:39:21 GMT
As a fan of Blood Brothers, I wrote to Kenwright whilst doing my GCSEs about 15 years ago. I wasn't expecting a reply but he did and it was insightful, inspirational and clearly showed his love for theatre.
And that was clear again in his speech at the show's closure at the Phoenix in 2012.
He demonstrated nous, was able to attract well known names to his productions, and had a clear commitment to mid-scale touring. Are there many theatres in the UK which haven't hosted a Kenwright production at some point?
Thank you and RIP.
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Post by jaqs on Oct 24, 2023 16:46:54 GMT
Sad news. He gave an awful lot of musical actors their start in his tours.
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Post by theglenbucklaird on Oct 24, 2023 16:56:39 GMT
Found it, Bills speech at Anfield 15 April 2013. Some great words |
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Post by hulmeman on Oct 24, 2023 17:10:01 GMT
Story on ITV Granada Reports. Everton FC made the announcement. He was their chairman. Passed away last night age 78. He had been ill for some time
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Post by theatrefan62 on Oct 24, 2023 17:20:00 GMT
I know he gets mocked a lot on here, but he has done a lot for theatre. Many peoples first jobs and introduced generations to theatre who couldn't afford to get to London.
I also think his Evita of recent years was actually better than the adelphi revival. His whistle down the wind was also very good. And even his Joseph was better than the recent revival to me. And of course the classic Blood Brothers.
Thank you Mr Kenwright
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Post by Deleted on Oct 24, 2023 17:28:15 GMT
Sad news, most people who post on here must have seen a show Bill produced. I assume that there are succession plans in place at his production company as if that was wound down we'd lose a lot of touring shows.
Thoughts are with his family and friends.
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Post by westendboy on Oct 24, 2023 17:52:55 GMT
Very sad news today. As much as people have criticised him for some decisions he had made, we can't deny his importance to the UK theatre scene. Of course his production of 'Blood Brothers' is iconic, but his other shows have helped introduce new audiences to the world of theatre, even if they varied in terms of quality.
Condolences for his family and friends.
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Post by hannechalk on Oct 24, 2023 18:55:30 GMT
RIP Mr Kenwright!
So much to be grateful for, because of the impact Blood Brothers-community has had on my life. So many wonderful friends and memories made.
And all the other great shows...
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Post by Mark on Oct 24, 2023 18:59:37 GMT
It is a sad day for British theatre. RIP
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Post by Rory on Oct 24, 2023 20:58:24 GMT
Sad to hear this news. I hadn't been aware of his illness. He was responsible for transferring and putting on a lot of pretty good shows in the West End, it really is the end of an era. It's been very nice reading all the warm and heartfelt tributes to him.
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Post by justfran on Oct 24, 2023 21:23:52 GMT
Such very sad news today. I used to work at a regional theatre and we had so many of his shows on. I’m sure a majority of theatregoers will have seen Joseph or Blood Brothers, possibly as one of their first introductions to musicals. In the past I’ve read many lovely stories of him quietly doing generous deeds. He will be a big loss to theatre.
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Post by Dr Tom on Oct 24, 2023 22:16:02 GMT
He gave a lot of people work and he kept shows touring into many theatres that would otherwise have been empty. Very nice tribute and dedication to him at Heathers tonight as well. Thank you Bill.
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Post by jek on Oct 25, 2023 7:54:55 GMT
Arlene Phillips was on the Radio 4 Today programme this morning (at about 7.45 am) sharing her affectionate memories of Bill Kenwright. She was particularly funny talking about his refusal to hire the requisite number of swings, reckoning that if they were available others would stay off work.
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Post by johartuk on Oct 25, 2023 11:52:27 GMT
Any Dream Will Do was my favourite TV casting show, and he was on the judging panel. Probably the first time that I was able to put a face to the name. He came across as a decent and likeable man on that show, and judging by the lovely tribute posted by Lee Mead (ADWD winner) last night, what we saw on TV was what he was like in real life.
RIP Mr Kenwright
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Post by distantcousin on Oct 26, 2023 11:18:38 GMT
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Post by hannechalk on Oct 26, 2023 19:31:14 GMT
Liverpool Empire and Playhouse lit up blue in honour of Bill Kenwright. Many theatres on the West End and around the country did the same, and some on Broadway dimmed their lights apparently. A lovely tribute. m.facebook.com/groups/393979660775027/permalink/2487542191418753/Saffron Hall, where Blood Brothers currently is performing, also lit up blue. |
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Post by jaybird89 on Dec 17, 2023 22:29:31 GMT
Lovely tribute to Bill on RVP this evening, I think about how accessible he made theatre for me growing up and thought it was nice he got a little tribute this evening.
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Post by d'James on Dec 17, 2023 22:32:15 GMT
I was hoping Linzi Hateley was going to sing it as she was there, but still a very good performance.
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Post by jaybird89 on Dec 17, 2023 23:51:01 GMT
I was hoping Linzi Hateley was going to sing it as she was there, but still a very good performance. Oh I would have really loved that although it may have tipped my emotional state over the edge |
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Post by Peter on Dec 18, 2023 19:29:28 GMT
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Post by hannechalk on Dec 18, 2023 23:29:58 GMT
It was this afternoon at 2pm. I've heard it was a wonderful moving service. Everton FC have said they will put up a recording of the full memorial soon. There are whispers there might be a theatrical memorial in London at some point in the future too, but not sure how correct they are. |
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Post by hannechalk on Dec 19, 2023 20:32:17 GMT
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Post by theatreian on Dec 22, 2023 16:56:06 GMT
A one off special Blood Brothers would be great with ex cast members.
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Post by hannechalk on Feb 14, 2024 11:09:01 GMT
There will be a tribute to Bill Kenwright at the London Palladium on Sunday 10th March 2024, which will focus on his work in theatre.
Entry by invitation only.
Several casts of several shows will be performing, including the current touring cast of Blood Brothers.
To my understanding it will not be televised, other than a segment on ITN/ITV News.
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