Theatre producer Peter Wilson dies aged 72

Theatre producer Peter Wilson has died aged 72.

A statement from his production company, PW Productions, said he died peacefully at his home on September 4.

"It is with great sadness that PW Productions announce that Peter Wilson MBE, one of the West End’s most prolific and significant theatre producers, passed away peacefully at home on Monday September 4, aged 72," it said.

It added: "Peter’s professional legacy is immeasurable, and his impact on theatre across the United Kingdom will continue. Some of his most successful productions include Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black and Stephen Daldry’s production of An Inspector Calls, both of which continue to regularly tour and to provide many young people with their first experience of live theatre. Everyone at PW Productions is devastated by the passing of Peter, an irreplaceable friend, colleague and mentor. We send our deepest condolences to his family at this very sad time."

The Woman in Black closed in the West End earlier this year after a run of 33 years. When it closed, Wilson was the recipient of an Olivier award for his outstanding contribution to theatre.

He was given the industry recognition award on stage at the Fortune Theatre on March 4 by then Society of London Theatre president Eleanor Lloyd, who said it was for showing “unbelievable service and commitment to theatre” in the West End.

Wilson was also chief executive of the Theatre Royal Norwich for 25 years.

He set up PW Productions in 1983, initially running it from his home in Brixton.

Paying tribute, Norwich Theatre said Wilson’s tenure as chief executive of Norwich Theatre Royal from 1992-2016 “marked a defining period in our history”. 

“His contribution over those 25 years, both to our organisation and the wider Norwich and Norfolk arts sector, was extraordinary and its impact immeasurable. His lasting legacy, both visible and invisible, is profound and will continue to live on through the work of Norwich Theatre, the many other organisations that benefitted from his support, and all those that he inspired,” it said in a statement.
 
As a mark of respect, the theatre said it would be dimming the lights on the front of Norwich Theatre Royal for two minutes at 7pm on September 5.