More than a dozen people gathered inside Darlington's historic theatre auditorium today (September 10) to commemorate the life and legacy of Bill Kenwright - a Liverpool-born actor turned theatre producer who passed away in 2023, aged 78.
Across 50 years, Bill's company produced 500 famous shows, including Blood Brothers, Calendar Girls, Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat - many of which have passed through Darlington over the years.
The plaque, unveiled in the auditorium.The plaque, unveiled in the auditorium. (Image: DAISY HEINTZ) As the gold plaque was unveiled, reading ‘In memory of Bill Kenwright CBE. Nils Satis Nisi Optimum’ the cast broke into song and the sound of ‘Z Cars’, Everton FC’s theme song – in tribute to his time as the club's chairman from 2004 until he passed.
“I hope none of you are wearing red”, called out one of the organisers.
Leading the celebration was the current UK tour of The Shawshank Redemption - who will be taking to the stage from Wednesday to Saturday this week.
But the mood, instead of sombre, was one of laughter and gratitude - as cast members marked his seismic influence on the UK theatre scene.
Joe McFadden, Ben Onwukwe, and Bill Ward play Andy Dufresne, Ellis ‘Red’ Reading, and Warden Stammas in the current UK tour of Shawshank. When asked about whether Bill Kenwright had an impact on their lives, Ben responded simply, “categorically yes.”
Bill Kenwright.Bill Kenwright. He added having to make it through the casting process, before “you finally get to face the great Bill.”
The “very imposing” figure loomed over his desk, while Ben gave his performance from the other end of the room.
There was then thirty seconds of silence, before Kenwright spoke up, “that was alright, you know. Could you do it again, but better?”
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He added: “People are forgotten in the annals of history. Only certain people’s names survive, and I think it’s important that Bill Kenwright’s name is one of those that does.”
Another cast member, Newcastle born Bill Ward, told The Echo he remembers hearing Kenwright speak at a funeral for another theatre director in Covent Garden.
“Goodness me, he was funny,” he said, before praising Bill Kenwright’s work in championing theatre for all.
“He had a huge thing about making theatre accessible, not elitist, but for everyone.”
Want to watch the Bill Kenwright Ltd production of The Shawshank Redemption at the Hippodrome? Tickets are still available for performances running from the 11th to the 13th of September. Go to www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk to book