West End theatres to dim their lights in honour of Dame Joan Plowright
Share:
West End theatres will dim their lights in honour of Dame Joan Plowright, after her death at the age of 95. Scunthorpe’s Plowright Theatre, named in her honour, has also paid tribute to the “distinguished” actress. Venues in London’s theatreland will dim their lights for two minutes at 7pm on Tuesday, January 21.
UK Theatre and Society Of London Theatre co-chief executive Hannah Essex said: “Dame Joan Plowright was an iconic and deeply respected figure in the world of theatre, leaving an indelible mark on the industry she shaped with her talent and dedication.
“We are honoured to contribute to the celebration of her extraordinary career and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.”. Dame Joan was married to Lord Laurence Olivier, and best known for her Golden Globe award-winning performances in TV biopic Stalin and Enchanted April, for which she was also nominated for an Academy Award.
She was a prominent figure at the National Theatre and a star of the West End and Broadway before her international movie success, having initially performed as a member of Lord Olivier’s acclaimed acting company. She attended Scunthorpe Grammar School and won a scholarship to the Old Vic Theatre School at the age of 17.
The Lincolnshire town’s theatre, Scunthorpe Civic Centre, was renamed after her in the 1990s, in honour of her achievements. A tribute to Dame Joan from Scunthorpe Theatres, which runs the Plowright Theatre, read: “We are saddened to hear that Dame Joan Plowright, the esteemed British actress whose career spanned over six decades, has passed away at the age of 95.
