Peter Wilson, who ran Norwich Theatre Royal for nearly a quarter of a century, has died aged 72.
Mr Wilson's first West End production was Arnold Wesker's Annie Wobbler in 1985 and he worked on Broadway as well as in international touring companies.
He joined the Norwich Theatre Royal - where the lights will be dimmed in his memory at 7pm tonight (Tuesday) - in 1992 before standing down as chief executive in 2016.
Mr Wilson was made an MBE in 2000 for his services to theatre and in 2005 received a special award from Norfolk County Council for his contributions to the county's creative industry.
In June 2020, he was named as vice lord-lieutenant, deputy to Lord-Lieutenant Lady Philippa Dannatt.
Earlier this year, he was awarded a prestigious Olivier award, for those who have displayed excellence and dedication to the industry and pioneered change.
Mr Wilson died at home on Monday, September 4.
Stephen Crocker, chief executive at Norwich Theatre Royal, said: "All of us at Norwich Theatre are saddened by news of the death of Peter Wilson.
"We send our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones.
"Peter'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 as well as the many other organisations that benefitted from his support and all those that he inspired.
"As a mark of respect, this evening we will dim the lights on the front of Norwich Theatre Royal for two minutes at 7pm.
"We will also publish a tribute to Peter and his many achievements during his time leading our organisation over the coming days."
A spokesman for PW Productions, which Mr Wilson was executive chairman of, added: "It is with great sadness that PW Productions announce that Peter Wilson MBE, one the West End’s most prolific and significant theatre producers, passed away peacefully at home on Monday September 4, aged 72.
"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."
Lady Dannatt said: "It is with very great sadness I write to inform you that our Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Peter Wilson died peacefully at home yesterday morning.
"On behalf of the Lieutenancy I extend heartfelt sympathy to Garlinda, his children and wider family.
"Peter has been an outstanding Deputy Lieutenant and an inspirational Vice Lord-Lieutenant and he will be missed beyond measure by us all."
Ian Westbrook, one of the artists behind the work above Frankie & Benny's restaurant in Riverside titled 'City Living', worked with Mr Wilson as a set designer during his time at Norwich Theatre Royal.
He said: "Peter was a charming and creative man of the theatre and of the cocktail party afterwards.
"I first met Peter in the early 90s when he arrived at Norwich in the middle of the theatre being refitted.
"I designed the first variety show to open at the newly refurbished Norwich Theatre Royal and then Peter Pan at Christmas, which he directed.
"His attention to detail and wish for a visually high-quality scenery and costumes were of great importance.
"Peter was a kind and generous man with a huge, witty intelligence.
"He will be remembered to those who worked with him and a great loss to Norfolk and the theatre world."
John Bultitude worked with Mr Wilson for 12 years as his communications officer at the theatre from 2007-2019.
He added: "Peter was a man whose passion for entertainment and theatre in all its forms rubbed off on everyone.
"More than that, he made all of us that worked for him feel like part of a family - he knew all of us and we knew him.
"His vision at transforming a theatre struggling to survive, into one that won national acclaim and was adored by its patrons, will never be forgotten.
"Even after he left, he kept in touch and always cared about us.
"He truly was a one-off and someone who inspired, cared and innovated - he will be missed."
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