We were saddened to hear the passing of a true dance legend Dame Gillian Lynne. She was a huge inspiration to us and many others.
In research for our January 2016 production of Cats, we watched so many interviews and read so many articles she wrote about the musical.

News of her death was posted on Twitter by her husband Peter Land, who paid tribute to his “darling wife”.

“I am heartbroken to write that Dame Gillian Lynne and my dearest wife and friend and love for 40 years passed away at 6.20pm tonight, 1st July 2018 at the Princess Grace Hospital,” he wrote.

He added: “She leaves behind a huge legacy and is adored by many.”

Dame Gillian’s extraordinary stage career included accomplishments both as a performer and choreographer, and tributes to her have already started flooding social media.

Her most iconic work included the movement in Cats and The Phantom of the Opera – two of the longest-running shows in musical theatre history.

Having spent more than 50 years in showbiz, she had worked for a number of organisations including the Royal Opera House, the Royal Shakespeare Company and The Australian Ballet.

June 22, 2018, when she was honoured by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh with the renaming of the New London Theatre.

Cats will always have a special place in our hearts as we were extremely fortunate to be given special permission by The Really Useful Group to present the musical as the first adult amateur theatre group to stage this iconic show in the UK.

Rest in Peace, Gillian as you journey up to the Heaviside Layer.

Up, up, up past the Russell Hotel
Up, up, up, up to the Heaviside layer

Up, up, up past the Jellicle moon
Up, up, up, up to the Heaviside layer