Tribute to Bill Kenwright CBE “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of the producing icons of our time.

Bill Kenwright CBE was one of the theatre industry’s most well-known and respected producers of plays and musicals and Blackpool Grand enjoyed a long and proud association with Bill’s theatrical work.

Bill described Blackpool Grand as ‘…probably my favourite theatre in the world!’ and presented countless legendary shows here that were loved by our audiences, most notably the smash-hit musicals Blood Brothers starring Blackpool’s own Anne Nolan and Melanie C; a record-breaking Summer season of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Dreamboats & Petticoats; Calendar Girls and Dreamboats and Miniskirts; along with classic thrillers And Then There Were None; Twelve Angry Men; The Cat and the Canary; The Lady Vanishes and, most recently, Catch Me If You Can starring TV legend, Patrick Duffy.

Bill Kenwright’s impact on the UK theatre scene is not to be underestimated. Responsible for offering countless members of the profession their first jobs in the theatre, Bill is reputed to have employed more actors than anyone other than the BBC. His passion for theatre, music and film was matched only by that for his beloved Everton Football Club. Blackpool Grand Theatre will be joining theatres across the country at 7pm on Thursday 26 October in lighting our building in blue as part of a nationwide mark of respect and in recognition of his outstanding contribution to UK theatre and his football connections.

Everyone at the Grand Theatre, including our past CEOs, would like to share our deepest condolences with Bill’s family and friends and all the BKL team.”

Adam Knight, Chief Executive, Blackpool Grand Theatre