Venues across the West End and on Broadway will dim their lights on Friday 15th September in memory of Sir Peter Hall, founder of Royal Shakespeare Company and director of the National Theatre for 15 years.
Lights will be dimmed for one minute as a mark of respect before performances commence on Friday evening, as audiences and the industry recognise one of the great champions of British theatre.
The tradition, performed to honour theatre's most prestigious contributors will take place across the West End at 19:00 (BST) and 19:45 (ET). It last occurred to mark the death of James M Nederlander in 2016.
Peter Hall and Judi Dench rehearsing The Importance of Being Earnest in 1982
Hall died on Monday at the age of 86 at University College hospital in London, surrounded by his family. His career spanned more than half a century. In 1960, aged 29, he founded the Royal Shakespeare Company which he led until 1968. In 1973 he was appointed Director of the National Theatre, a post he held for fifteen years.
Sir Peter Hall received the Society of London Theatre’s Special Award at the 1999 Olivier Awards. In 2011 he received the award for Outstanding Contribution to British Theatre at the 2011 UK Theatre Awards.
Peter Hall in rehearsal for Twelfth Night in 2011 (c) Nobby Clark
Julian Bird, Chief Executive of Society of London Theatre, said: “Sir Peter Hall’s impact on the arts is immeasurable. As a visionary Artistic Director, and multiple Tony and Olivier Award winner, he changed the theatrical landscape forever."
"From the companies he founded, to the institutions he shaped and built, his legacy lives on in the many thousands of people he worked with and inspired."
"Throughout his life he was a tireless advocate for the power of theatre and the important role it should play in people’s lives, His voice, passion and ideas will be missed by all.”
Keep up to date with your favourite artists, priority bookings and exclusive offers from See Tickets:
Comments are closed.