West Berks theatre pays tribute to Bill Kenwright

News of the death of West End theatre producer and film producer Bill Kenwright, at the age of 78, has been met with great sadness in Newbury’s theatreworld.

A former actor himself – in Coronation Street, where he played Gordon Clegg in more than 100 episodes in the 1960s and appearing four times in Z Cars - Bill Kenwright had been spotted in the Watermill audience on occasion and as well as licencing the Bagnor theatre’s Blood Brothers production, he was one of the producers who transferred their production of Sunset Boulevard to the West End in 2008.

The Watermill’s executive director Paul Hart said: “Bill was a titan in our field.

“He’s been a leading producer, creating work across the UK for many years, and it’s hard to imagine the industry without him.

“But what a legacy of shows he’s created!”

Bill died peacefully on Monday, surrounded by family and loved ones, after a long battle against illness.

The family posted the following:

“Bill was driven by his passions and devoted his life to them; his deep love of theatre, film, music and his beloved Everton, and the families they created. He impacted the lives of thousands, whether that be through the launching of careers, or his unending loyalty, generosity and unfaltering friendship and support.

“In a multi-award-winning career spanning six decades, Bill produced over 500 West End, Broadway, UK touring and international theatre productions, film and music albums. His impact on the arts industry has been profound.”