Les Miserables legend dies 'peacefully surrounded by family' aged 73

18 January 2024 , 07:01

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British theatre legend Martin McCallum has died, it's been announced

Martin McCallum has died at the age of 73, the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) announced.

The British theatre director whose career spanned more than 500 productions and included becoming president of SOLT, died "peacefully surrounded by his family" on January 14. McCallum worked with Sir Cameron Mackintosh on Cats, Les Miserables and The Phantom Of The Opera

In a statement, they said: "The Society of London Theatre mourns the loss of an incredible pioneer and cherished friend, Martin McCallum (6 April 1950 – 14 January 2024), FRSA, who passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on 14 January."

"In Martin McCallum, we have lost an extraordinary individual who shaped the landscape of the theatre sector," Eleanor Lloyd, president of SOLT, said. "His immense talent and expertise were matched only by his unwavering commitment to the arts. Martin will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come."

Martin was surrounded by his loved ones (Facebook)

Meanwhile, the Donmar Warehouse said: "Our condolences to all those who knew Martin McCallum – the chair of our board from 1992 to 2003 – who passed away at the weekend. A hugely significant theatre producer, he worked alongside Cameron Mackintosh on many West End hits, and was a president of the Society of London Theatre."

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Born in Blackpool, McCallum became a production manager at the Old Vic Theatre, then home to the National Theatre, where he was under the mentorship of Laurence Olivier and managed productions including Harold Pinter's No Man's Land in 1975, with Sir John Gielgud and Sir Ralph Richardson.

He left the National Theatre in 1978 and co-established The Production Office, which supervised shows including Evita, Sweeney Todd and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Following his work on Cats, Sir Cameron employed McCallum as managing director and business partner where he stayed for 18 years as well as three years as vice chairman, until 2003. During this time Les Miserables, Miss Saigon and The Phantom Of The Opera were brought to the stage achieving worldwide success. McCallum also chaired the Donmar Warehouse for several years, as well as becoming president of SOLT for four years from 1999.

As president, he was an advocate for access, which included getting funding from then-London Mayor Ken Livingstone, for a campaign to use theatre as a driver to bring back people into the West End after the 9/11 terror attacks.

McCallum is survived by his partner Gwynne and children Gabriel, Fabian, Amy, Toby and Sophie.

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Daniel Bird