West End VIPs

London's Theatreland wouldn’t be what it is without the actors, playwrights, directors and producers who have channelled their passion, energy and talent into creating new work and ensuring it gets seen. Of course, there are numerous such people, and this section profiles just a selection. However, new West End VIPs will be continually added, so check back regularly to see our latest additions. If you would like to suggest a West End VIP, please email editorial@soltttma.co.uk

Ayckbourn, Sir Alan: Playwright/Director. Born: 1939

06 Feb 2009

The prolific British playwright and director is one of the most performed playwrights in the world. Read more
Baylis, Lilian: Theatre Manager. Born 1874, Died 1937.

23 Apr 2008

Lilian Baylis was arguably London’s most important theatre manager during the first half of the 20th Century and the companies she created still thrive today. Read more
Beerbohm Tree, Sir Herbert: Actor/Theatre Manager. Born 1852, Died 1917.

23 Apr 2008

Rambunctious, witty, gifted and decent, Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree was a dominant figure in London theatre from the late 1870s until his death in 1917. Read more
Coward, Noël: Playwright/Actor. Born 1899, Died 1973.

23 Apr 2008

In his 1920s heyday, Noël Coward was the West End’s most popular playwright. Read more
Dench, Dame Judi : Actress. Born 1934.

23 Apr 2008

No performer since Laurence Olivier has inspired the universal affection and respect afforded to Dame Judi Dench. Read more
Gielgud, Sir John: Actor/Director. Born 1904, Died 2000.

23 Apr 2008

John Gielgud’s astonishing career began in 1921 under the direction of Granville Barker and ended, just weeks before his death, in an appearance alongside Harold Pinter in a film adaptation of Beckett’s Catastrophe in 2000. Read more
Gray, Simon: Playwright: Born 1936, Died: 2008

05 Feb 2009

Prolific British playwright with an acerbic wit. Read more
Hall, Sir Peter: Director. Born 1930.

23 Apr 2008

In the opinion of Andrew Seth, Chairman of the Board of Governors of Kingston University, where Sir Peter Hall was appointed Chancellor in 2000: “No living person has had as much effect on the British theatre as Sir Peter Hall.” Read more
Lloyd Webber, Lord Andrew: Composer/Producer/Theatre Owner. Born 1948.

23 Apr 2008

Andrew Lloyd Webber is the composer of several of the longest running musicals in West End history. Read more
Mackintosh, Sir Cameron: Theatre Owner/Producer. Born 1946.

23 Apr 2008

Described by the New York Times as “the most successful, influential and powerful producer of our time”, Cameron Mackintosh is considered by many to be the man who transformed musical theatre into a viable global industry. Read more