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Bill Kenwright

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BIO

As a theatre producer, Kenwright is best known for the long-running West End hit Blood Brothers and the record-breaking UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Other productions have included West End runs of Whistle Down the Wind at the Palace Theatre, Festen in London, on a UK tour and on Broadway, The Big Life, Elmina's Kitchen, Scrooge – The Musical, The Night of the Iguana, A Few Good Men, A Man For All Seasons alongside UK tours of Jesus Christ Superstar, Tommy, Tell Me on a Sunday and This is Elvis. He produced the London revival of Cabaret at the Lyric Theatre in September 2006, starring Anna Maxwell Martin, James Dreyfus and Sheila Hancock.



Kenwright helped start the careers of many current West End theatre producers, including Mark Rubinstein and Marc Sinden. It has been estimated that he employed more actors in a year than any employer other than the BBC.

Kenwright also directed many productions, including Blood Brothers, Whistle Down the Wind; he was asked by Andrew Lloyd Webber to make changes to the direction of Love Never Dies. Bill Kenwright additionally produced & directed the 2018/19 UK touring production of Saturday Night Fever, in which Richard Winsor (as the preliminary Tony Manero) perceived the symbolic "Stayin' Alive" dance spectacle as "The Kneebreaker" & he gleefully presented the deceiving "Stage Pose" downgrade (created by Arlene Phillips in 1997).

Productions, mainly musicals, included:

Fame – UK National Tour (2014)
Blood Brothers – Phoenix Theatre, London and on UK National Tour, starring Helen Hobson and Steven Houghton
Cabaret – Savoy Theatre, London with Will Young, Michelle Ryan and Sian Phillips
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – UK National Tour, starring Joe McElderry
The Wizard of Oz – London Palladium, London (2011)
Jekyll & Hyde – UK National Tour (2011)
Evita – World Tour, starring Madalena Alberto and Gian Marco Schiaretti (2018)

STAGE CREDITS

[West End]
Original London Production, 1967
Performer

[West End]
Original London Production, 1965
Performer

Productions

 
[West End, unknown]
Producer
 
[West End, 2023]
Producer
 
[West End, 2022]
Director
 
[West End, 2017]
Director
 
[West End, 2012]
Producer
 
[West End, 2011]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2010]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2009]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2008]
Producer
 
[West End, 2007] [Replacement]
Producer[Replacement]
 
[West End, 2006]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2006]
Producer
 
[West End, 2006]
Producer
Director
 
[West End, 2005]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Producer
 
[West End, 2005]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Producer
 
[West End, 2004]
Producer
 
[UK Tour, 2004]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 2003]
Producer
 
[West End, 2003]
Producer
 
[West End, 2003]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1998]
Producer
 
[West End, 1997]
Producer
 
[West End, 1997]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1997]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1996]
Producer
 
[West End, 1996]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1994]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1993]
Producer
Director
 
[Broadway, 1991]
Producer
 
[West End, 1988]
Producer
 
[Broadway, 1987]
Producer

Awards and Nominations

Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Revival of a Musical

Bill Kenwright, Guys and Dolls

Tony Awards - 2008 - Best Musical

Bill Kenwright, Passing Strange

Tony Awards - 1998 - Best Revival of a Play

Bill Kenwright, The Chairs


winner
Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Revival of a Play

Bill Kenwright, A Doll's House

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Revival of a Play

Bill Kenwright, An Ideal Husband

Tony Awards - 1994 - Best Revival of a Play

Bill Kenwright, Medea

Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Direction of a Musical

Bill Kenwright , Blood Brothers

Tony Awards - 1993 - Best Musical

Bill Kenwright, Blood Brothers


winner
Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Play

Bill Kenwright, Dancing at Lughnasa

Videos

News


BLOOD BROTHERS Comes to Darlington Hippodrome Next Week

Bill Kenwright's production of the international hit musical, Blood Brothers is on tour across the UK and is coming to Darlington Hippodrome next week. Learn more about the show here!
Max Harwood Will Lead THE LIGHTNING THIEF at the Other Palace

Becoming a demigod and taking the lead role of Percy Jackson for the London Premiere of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical will be Max Harwood. Learn more about him here!
PLEASE DON'T FEED THE CHILDREN Sets World Premiere at Sitges International Film Festival

The horror thriller, Please Don't Feed the Children, starring Michelle Dockery and Giancarlo Esposito, is set to have its world premiere at the prestigious Sitges International Film Festival on Friday, October 11, 2024 followed by a Q&A with cast and crew.
Photos: FILUMENA at Theatre Royal Windsor Begins Rehearsals

All new rehearsal photos have been released for the new production of Filumena, directed by Sean Mathias and starring Felicity Kendal and Matthew Kelly. Check out the photos here!
Photos: BLOOD BROTHERS UK Tour

Production photos have been released for Bill Kenwright's legendary, award-winning production of the international smash hit musical, Blood Brothers as it continues to tour across the UK. Check out the photos here!
Rialto Chatter: Will HEATHERS Return to New York in 2025?

According to a page on the official Heathers website, the show will return to New York in 2025.
Full Cast Announced For CAKE: The Marie Antoinette Playlist At The Other Palace From 13 September

Following electrifying try-out performances at The Lyric Theatre last year, Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul-Taylor Mills will present the brand-new musical, come gig, come ballet, now back for a full reign at The Other Palace from 13 September 2024 for a strictly limited season.
Finalists and Professional Acts Set for Grand Theatre South Asian Dance Competition - JUST NAACH!

Finalists have been announced for the return of Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s South Asian dance competition, JUST NAACH, which will be held on Sunday 15 September at 5pm, with tickets on sale now.
Save Up to 65% on Tickets to CAKE at The Other Palace

Save up to 65% on tickets to CAKE at The Other Palace. Tickets are on sale from £15.
THE SILVER CORD Comes to the Finborough Theatre

In a production commissioned by the Finborough Theatre, the first London production since 1927 of Sidney Howard’s The Silver Cord will open at the Finborough Theatre for a four week limited season on Tuesday, 3 September 2024.
Matthew Kelly and Julie Legrand Join Theatre Royal Windsor's FILUMENA

Matthew Kelly and Julie Legrand will join the previously announced Felicity Kendal in the Bill Kenwright Ltd/Theatre Royal Windsor production of Filumena directed by Sean Mathias. 
HEATHERS THE MUSICAL Returns To Milton Keynes Theatre This September

HEATHERS THE MUSICAL returns to Milton Keynes Theatre this September.
Cast Set For BLOOD BROTHERS at Darlington Hippodrome

Casting has been announced for the Bill Kenwright Ltd UK tour of Blood Brothers coming to Darlington Hippodrome in November.
Rebekah Lowings, Jacqui Dubois, and More Set for UK Tour of GHOST THE MUSICAL

Bill Kenwright Ltd has announced the cast for the globally acclaimed Ghost the Musical. The tour will open on 22 August 2024 at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre ahead of a major national tour continuing into 2025.
Judges Set For South Asian Dance Competition Just Naach at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Judges have been announced for the return of Wolverhampton Grand Theatre's South Asian dance competition, JUST NAACH, which will be held on Sunday 15 September at 5pm.
National Youth Music Theatre Announces PLATFORM And CRESCENDO To Close Summer 2024 Season

The National Youth Music Theatre has announced PLATFORM and CRESCENDO to close Summer 2024 season.
BOYS FROM THE BLACKSTUFF Will Embark on UK Tour

Bill Kenwright Ltd has announced that James Graham’s acclaimed adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s Boys from the Blackstuff will tour the UK in 2025, following sell-out runs at Liverpool’s Royal Court and The National Theatre, and its current run in London’s West End at the Garrick Theatre.
BLOOD BROTHERS Will Return On UK Tour This Autumn

Bill Kenwright Ltd's award-winning production of the international smash hit musical, Blood Brothers will continue to tour across the UK with latest dates and venues announced for Autumn 2024, opening on 20 August at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff.
Nathaniel Curtis, Mariam Haque and Anthony Howell Lead THE REAL ONES At Bush Theatre

Casting for THE REAL ONES, Waleed Akhtar's world premiere at Bush Theatre, has been announced. The play explores themes of identity and belonging, featuring a diverse and talented cast.
Photos: Go Inside Rehearsals for DEATH OF ENGLAND: MICHAEL & DEATH OF ENGLAND: DELROY

Check out rehearsal photos for Death of England: Michael, starring Thomas Coombes and Death of England: Delroy starring Paapa Essiedu. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Bill Kenwright been in?

Bill Kenwright has not appeared on Broadway.

How many West End shows has Bill Kenwright been in?

Bill Kenwright has appeared on London's West End in 2 shows.

What was Bill Kenwright's first West End show?

Bill Kenwright's first West End show was Passion Flower Hotel which opened in 1965

What awards has Bill Kenwright been nominated for?

Best Revival of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Guys and Dolls, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Passing Strange, Best Revival of a Play (Tony Awards) for The Chairs, Best Revival of a Play (Tony Awards) for A Doll's House, Best Revival of a Play (Tony Awards) for An Ideal Husband, Best Revival of a Play (Tony Awards) for Medea, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Blood Brothers, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Blood Brothers and Best Play (Tony Awards) for Dancing at Lughnasa.

What awards has Bill Kenwright won?

Bill Kenwright has won the following awards: Best Revival of a Play at the Tony Awards for A Doll's House and Best Play at the Tony Awards for Dancing at Lughnasa.

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