Ian McKellen and Wayne Rooney lead tributes to theatre producer and ‘great man’ Bill Kenwright

Julian Clary also paid tribute to the Everton chairman and said he was ‘forever grateful’ to him.

Ian McKellen has led the tributes to theatre and film producer Bill Kenwright, saying that showbusiness “will be dimmer” following the industry legend’s death aged 78.

Producer Kenwright, who straddled careers in both theatre and sport as the chairman of Everton FC, died “surrounded by his family and loved ones” on Monday (23 October).

In a statement shared with The Independent on Tuesday (24 October)., his family and production company shared that Kenwright had died following a “long battle with illness” and had “passed away peacefully”.

Tributes swiftly poured in, led by McKellen. The 84-year-old recently worked with Kenwright on 2023’s The Critic, the last film Kenwright co-produced, and shared a thoughtful tribute thread to him on Twitter/X.

“Bill Kenwright (1945-2023),” McKellen wrote. “Like many grateful actors I am in debt to Bill Kenwright for employment.”

“We were young together, when he was in Coronation Street (as Gordon Clegg) and I was dipping a toe into Shaftesbury Avenue. Since then, I have admired the resilient way in which he encouraged theatre to thrive in London and in the regions. Whether it was yet another tour of that wonderful musical Blood Brothers or sponsoring the Peter Hall Company in the classics.”

Remembering the producer, McKellen recalled how “in private, Bill relished gossip and loved to reminisce”. “He seemed to have known everyone in the business and to care about them,” the Shakespearian actor wrote.

“Yet every chat would veer round to his equal passion – Everton football. The city that gave us The Beatles and two major football teams, also bred a unique impresario. Whether the West End lights will be turned off in his memory, certainly our business will be dimmer now he has gone.”

Throughout his career, Kenwright produced over more than 500 theatre producers in the West End, Broadway and touring across the UK, as well as films and albums”, according to a statement from Bill Kenwright Limited.

In the football world, Wayne Rooney shared that he was “devastated” by the “sad” news. He tweeted: “Known Bill since I was young and he’s had a huge impact on me as a person and my career. Great man and a big inspiration. Thoughts are with all Bill’s family and friends.”

Rooney with Kenwright in 2015 (PA)

British theatrical producer Cameron Mackintosh called Kenwright “prolific” and “irresistible”, adding: “The world of British theatre without Bill Kenwright seems impossible.

“Bill was fearless, prolific and irresistible – he couldn’t bear to see any theatre empty, so he’d conjure up a production almost overnight to fill it! His enthusiasm knew no bounds... And the theatre wasn’t even his day job – his real profession was running Everton! In my lifetime, there has never been anyone like Bill. He’s totally irreplaceable and we will miss him so.”

Also paying tribute to the theatre giant was comedian and actor Julian Clary, who said he would be “forever grateful” to Kenwright.

The comic tweeted: “RIP Bill Kenwright. I’m forever grateful to him for giving me the chance to play the Emcee in Cabaret at the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue in 2007. After the first night he said to me ‘You’re so brave… so brave!'”

Linda Nolan also remembered the impact working with Kenwright had on her career, after he cast her in the musical Blood Brothers.

“I am absolutely shocked and devastated to hear about the passing of Bill Kenwright,” she tweeted. “He brought me into musical theatre and let me play the role of a lifetime, as Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers. It changed my life. Thank you for everything. RIP Bill, you will never be forgotten.”

Singer Antony Costa said that Kenwright was “one in a million”, calling him “my friend and mentor and the person who gave me the chance to perform on stage”.

Comedian Jason Manford spoke of the producer’s “love” for theatre and football in another post to X. He said: “Saddened to hear Bill Kenwright has died. Met up with him several times over the years as we attempted to work together so very sad that will now never happen. Was always funny and honest and with a deep love for theatre and football. Will be sadly missed.”