Theatres across the country will dim their lights at 7pm for two minutes each evening in tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as the nation enters a period of mourning.
The plans for the nightly tribute to the monarch who has meant so much to so many were announced in a statement from the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre which stated that in accordance with official guidance theatres will stay open during the period of national mourning up to The Queen’s funeral on 19 September 2022.
The statement concluded by extending the two organisations’ condolences to The Royal Family.
Stephanie Sirr and Jon Gilchrist, joint presidents of UK Theatre, and Eleanor Lloyd, president of the Society of London Theatre, wrote: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The theatre industry is thankful for all the support and patronage Her Majesty has shown throughout her lifetime. We would like to convey our deepest sympathy to the Royal Family at this time of national mourning.”
Two leading theatrical knights, Sir Cameron Mackintosh and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, were among the many to offer their heartfelt tributes pouring in from across the world.
Cameron Mackintosh tweeted: “To have lived through the second Elizabethan age has been a privilege. Our longest reigning monarch has shown us all what selfless duty really means and British Theatre salutes her extraordinary achievements.
“What finer demonstration of Her Majesty’s show-must-go-on attitude than the Royal Household’s wish that everyday life must continue as we all mourn Her passing and marvel at Her wonderful and magnificent life. God Bless Her.”
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s tribute read: “For the whole of my life, the Queen has been the constant anchor of not just Britain and her beloved Commonwealth, but an inspiration to the world for her lifetime of service.
“Her legacy will be remembered as a selfless beacon for love, understanding and the celebration of fellow human beings all over the world, no matter their race or creed.
“Madeleine and I are deeply saddened by this news, and our thoughts and prayers are with Her Majesty The Queen’s family.’
The Royal Shakespeare Company’s Catherine Mallyon and Erica Whyman said in a statement: “Her Majesty the Queen has been Patron of the Royal Shakespeare Company since 1961, when the Company was created. Her Majesty last visited us in Stratford-upon-Avon on 4 March 2011 to open formally the transformed Royal Shakespeare Theatre. This was a memorable day in the history of the RSC where she met and talked with members of the Company and those involved in the redevelopment and transformation of the theatre.
“It was a great pleasure for us to rehearse with HRH The Prince of Wales in preparation for his poetic tribute to his mother on her 90th birthday in 2016. We were honoured to be part of such a special moment.”
Damon Buffini, chair of the National Theatre, and Rufus Norris, director of the National Theatre, said: “The Queen dedicated her life to the service of this country and the Commonwealth, providing stability and constancy in a world that changed profoundly over the 70 years of her reign. It is a remarkable achievement that commands our respect and admiration. Today we are thinking of those closest to her – her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren – and to them we send our deep condolences.”
Angela Thomas
SHARE THIS POST:
Comments are closed.