Figures from across the entertainment industry pay tribute to publicist Neil Reading

Picture: Neil Reading PR

Figures from across the entertainment industry, including John Cleese, Dawn French, Jason Manford, John Bishop and Lenny Henry, have been paying tribute to publicist Neil Reading, who has died at the age of 56 following a short illness.

Reading founded his own PR agency at the age of 22, specialising in entertainment, consumer and lifestyle PR.

He had originally hoped to become an actor, but after a recommendation from PR specialist Mark Borkowski opened the door to the world of public relations, he never looked back.

Never one to seek the limelight himself, Reading always kept the focus on his clients. As a result, he became one of the entertainment industry’s most respected and well-liked publicists.

At Musical Theatre Review, we knew him best as the publicist behind a long list of West End productions, including The Rocky Horror Show, Anything Goes, Strictly Ballroom, The King and I, A Strange Loop, Jersey Boys, High Society and Only Fools and Horses.

Neil John Reading was born on 23 November 1969 and died on 29 July 2026. Everyone at Musical Theatre Review sends love and deepest condolences to his wife Claire, daughter Rosa, and all his family and friends.

Tributes to Neil Reading:

Dawn French:

“Beautiful chap Neil Reading was my press representative and fierce protector. We worked together to promote work stuff for 30 odd years or more… but along the way, we forged a profound friendship, based on trust and respect. He was there for me and my family in many tricky moments, and he helped me in ways I will never forget. We shared tons of laughs, and I learned so much from him… (although I didn’t ever manage to master the filter button). Most of all though, his intelligent and measured calm was a salve to my fears.

“We never EVER had a conversation either on the phone or in person, that didn’t include his utter love for his beautiful wife and beloved daughter. NOTHING mattered more, and he constantly reminded me about what really counts. He balanced me. He guarded me. He was massively respected and loved. I can’t quite believe I’m referring to him in the past. Not sure how to be without him. Heartbroken. Bye Neil. You darlin man.”

John Bishop:

“I never knew who his other clients were until I saw so many posts today, because he was so confidential. He was kind, gentle, humble and tough. He also had a level of loyalty and grace often missing in this profession. So many of us will miss his guidance and counsel but my heart goes to his family who will miss his love. A gentleman in a landscape where you expect the opposite. I feel privileged to have known him. Thank you Neil.”

Lenny Henry:

Neil Reading was a prince among men. A stalwart friend and colleague. He stood at my side in good times and in bad and was always kind, understanding and faithful. My family and I will miss him very much. He was a mensch of the highest order and will leave a huge hole in many people’s lives. My heartfelt thoughts go out to his wife Claire and daughter Rosa. Rest well Prince.”

Jason Manford:

I am heartbroken over the death of my dear friend and colleague Neil Reading. Describing him as my PR manager does not come close to describing what he meant to me and my family. He was a trusted friend of almost 20 years, a confidant and one of the most loyal, noble and brilliant men I have ever known.

“He was the person you wanted beside you when things were difficult. Wise, calm, kind and endlessly generous, Neil always cared far more about the people around him than he ever did about himself. My heart goes out to his wife, his eight-year-old daughter and everyone who loved him. They have lost an extraordinary husband and father, and so many of us have lost a truly irreplaceable friend. Rest in Peace Neil. Love, Jason.”

Mark Borkowski:

“Neil understood the ravenous appetite of the tabloids, but also the fears, frailties, privacy and occasional chaos of those he represented. He could deliver a story without delivering up the client. That balance is the whole game, and it explains why so many of his clients have spoken of him not merely as a publicist, but as a protector, confidant and friend.”