Cameron Mackintosh and Sonia Friedman are among the many figures from across the industry paying tribute to leading theatre publicist Janine Shalom who died suddenly at the weekend.
Writing on Twitter, Mackintosh said: ‘The shocking news that Janine Shalom died very suddenly on Saturday has left her friends and colleagues in the theatre completely bereft.
‘She was simply one-of-a-kind, wise, skilful and genuine – as forthright in her passion for great theatre, as she was dismissing the second rate. Janine was a constant source of insightful information, laughter and enthusiasm, chatting with her close colleagues nearly every day. It is incomprehensible to think she will no longer be on the end of the phone advising what to do, and just as importantly what not to do, always signing off on an upbeat note and a plan for tomorrow. We will all miss her terribly and send our sincerest condolences to her family.’
In a series of tweets, Friedman said: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn that our dear Janine Shalom has passed away. She was a loyal, devoted, deeply committed colleague and also a wonderful friend. Janine was the press rep for the very first show I ever produced at the National.
‘That show also happened to be the first show that she ever ran press for, too, so we had a lifelong bond. She worked across countless shows with us and was always a tower of strength. A huge sadness for all who knew and worked with her.
‘Janine – I’ll miss your sunny, naughty, wise smile. RIP’
Musical Theatre Review founder and editor Lisa Martland commented on Twitter: ‘I first met Janine Shalom during my time at The Stage. She could be intimidating but was kind and supportive to me. In recent few weeks she offered me a giveaway to help the MTR 10th anniversary celebrations and told me off for a reviewing mix-up. I will really miss her.’
A major presence within the world of theatre, Janine Shalom was director of theatre PR at Premier for 17 years, where she handled numerous high-profile productions including Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Les Misérables. Before Premier she worked at London-based entertainment PR company McDonald & Rutter, and also spent periods working at the Almeida Theatre in north London and the National Theatre.
Mourning her loss, the executive chairman of Premier, John Reiss said: “As one of the industry’s leading publicists, she has represented everything from the smallest theatre groups to the biggest productions in the West End; and every time she did so with her unique vigour, tenacity and passion.
“She was a titan and for those who knew her or had the privilege to work with her, we share your sense of profound loss.
“Mostly, we shall miss Janine enormously as a much-loved colleague and friend. Regardless of how busy she was, Janine always had time for everyone, and her kindness, humour and rapturous laugh will be much missed by all at Premier.
“Our thoughts and love are with her family at this difficult time.”
Angela Thomas
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