1. Overview
William "Bill" Kenwright, CBE (4 September 1945 - 23 October 2023), was an influential English theatre and film producer, and an actor and singer. Kenwright was widely recognized for his extensive contributions to the arts, notably through his prolific theatre productions in London's West End and across the United Kingdom. Beyond his artistic endeavors, he also served as the long-standing chairman of Everton Football Club from 2004 until his passing in 2023. His career was marked by significant commercial successes and a notable impact on employment within the entertainment industry, while his tenure at Everton FC was characterized by complex business dealings and efforts to navigate the club's financial challenges.
2. Early Life and Background
William Kenwright's formative years in Liverpool laid the groundwork for a multifaceted career that would span theatre, film, music, and professional sports.
2.1. Childhood
Born in Liverpool, Kenwright's early schooling took place at Booker Avenue County Primary School. These foundational years established his connection to the city that would later become central to his football club involvement.
2.2. Education
He continued his academic path at Liverpool Institute High School for Boys from 1957 to 1964, an institution which was a predecessor to the contemporary Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). During his time there, he served as the treasurer of the Christian Union, indicating an early engagement with community and organizational roles.
3. Theatre Career
William Kenwright developed an extensive career in the theatre industry, where he left a significant mark as both a prolific producer and a director, shaping numerous productions from the West End to national tours.
3.1. Producing
As a theatre producer, Kenwright was renowned for his ability to stage commercially successful and long-running productions. Among his most prominent achievements were the enduring West End hit Blood Brothers and the highly successful UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which achieved record-breaking attendance. His production portfolio extended to a variety of other notable West End runs, including Whistle Down the Wind at the Palace Theatre, Festen (which also toured the UK and played on Broadway), The Big Life, Elmina's Kitchen, Scrooge - The Musical, The Night of the Iguana, A Few Good Men, and A Man For All Seasons. He also oversaw popular UK tours of Jesus Christ Superstar, Tommy, Tell Me on a Sunday, and This is Elvis. In September 2006, he produced the London revival of Cabaret at the Lyric Theatre, starring Anna Maxwell Martin, James Dreyfus, and Sheila Hancock.
3.1.1. Notable Productions
Kenwright's extensive list of productions, predominantly musicals, showcased a diverse range of theatrical works. Key productions include:
- Fame - a UK National Tour in 2014.
- Blood Brothers - presented at the Phoenix Theatre in London and on a UK National Tour, featuring Helen Hobson and Steven Houghton.
- Cabaret - staged at the Savoy Theatre in London, with performances by Will Young, Michelle Ryan, and Sian Phillips.
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - a UK National Tour starring Joe McElderry.
- The Wizard of Oz - a 2011 production at the London Palladium in London.
- Jekyll & Hyde - a UK National Tour in 2011.
- Evita - a World Tour in 2018, featuring Madalena Alberto and Gian Marco Schiaretti.
3.2. Directing
In addition to his prolific producing career, Kenwright also actively directed many of his own theatrical productions. His directorial credits include the musicals Blood Brothers and Whistle Down the Wind. His expertise was recognized within the industry, leading Andrew Lloyd Webber to specifically request his input for making changes to the direction of Love Never Dies. Kenwright further demonstrated his dual role as a producer and director in the 2018/19 UK touring production of Saturday Night Fever. In this production, Richard Winsor, who played the preliminary Tony Manero, interpreted the iconic "Stayin' Alive" dance as "The Kneebreaker," and Kenwright notably incorporated the "Stage Pose" downgrade that had been created by Arlene Phillips in 1997.
3.3. Impact on the Theatre Industry
William Kenwright's influence on the theatre sector was substantial, particularly in his role as an employer and a mentor. He was instrumental in fostering the careers of many individuals who went on to become prominent West End producers, including Mark Rubinstein and Marc Sinden. His operations were so extensive that it was estimated he employed more actors in a single year than any other employer in the United Kingdom, with the sole exception of the BBC. This commitment to providing consistent work opportunities for theatre professionals underscored his significant contribution to the economic and social fabric of the British performing arts.
4. Film Career
William Kenwright extended his production expertise to the film industry, contributing to a range of cinematic projects as a producer and executive producer.
4.1. Filmography
Kenwright's filmography as a producer or executive producer includes:
- Please Don't Feed the Children (2024, producer)
- The Shepherd (2023, producer)
- The Fanatic (2019, producer)
- My Pure Land (2017, producer)
- Broken (2012, producer)
- Dixie: The People's Legend (2011, executive producer, in post-production)
- Chéri (2009, producer)
- The Purifiers (2004, producer)
- The Boys from County Clare (2003, executive producer)
- Die, Mommie, Die! (2003, producer)
- Zoe (2001, producer)
- Don't Go Breaking My Heart (1999, producer)
- Stepping Out (1991, executive producer)
5. Music Career
William Kenwright's artistic ventures extended into the music industry, where he established a record label and pursued his own musical recording and performance career.
5.1. Bill Kenwright Records
Kenwright founded his own record label, Bill Kenwright Records, which served as a platform for various musical releases. The label notably released the London Palladium cast recording of Scrooge, featuring Tommy Steele, and the 2006 Lyric Theatre recording of Cabaret. In February 2008, the label debuted a new boy group named Dream On, which consisted of five runners-up from the BBC One television series Any Dream Will Do-Craig Chalmers, Lewis Bradley, Chris Crosby, Chris Barton, and Antony Hansen. Bill Kenwright Records also released Joe McElderry's fourth album, Saturday Night at the Movies, and a soundtrack featuring McElderry singing songs from Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat.
5.2. Recording and Performance
Kenwright's personal music career began with his involvement in a band called The Chevrolets. He later pursued a solo recording career, releasing several singles. These include "I want to go back there again"/"Walk through dreams" in August 1967 (Columbia DB8239), "Love's Black & White"/"Giving Up" in July 1968 (MGM 1430), "Tiggy"/"House That Fell on its Face" in November 1968 (MGM 1463), "Baby I Could Be So Good at Loving"/"Boy & a Girl" in January 1969 (MGM 1478), and "Sugar Man"/"Epitaph"/"When Times Were Good" in October 1969 (Fontana TF 1065).
In 1969, Kenwright ventured into record production, producing two singles for the Manchester band Money. Money also served as his backing band for several cabaret performances in Oldham and at Allinson's in Liverpool. The first record he produced, "Come Laughing Home," also served as the title music for Kenwright's initial foray into theatrical production. This play was co-produced with Reginald Marsh, who was also a prominent actor in Coronation Street, and starred Anne Reid, who at the time played Valerie Barlow in Coronation Street. This marked a significant moment as it was the first instance of a Coronation Street star performing in live theatre while still actively engaged with the television series. The show premiered at Blackpool's Grand Theatre, and the single was additionally released in Argentina.
6. Acting Career
William Kenwright's career in the entertainment industry began with acting, leading to notable roles in television and film that predated his extensive work as a producer.
6.1. Television and Film Appearances
As a young man, Kenwright embarked on an acting career, achieving early success with a role in the long-running British soap opera Coronation Street. He was introduced in April 1968 as the character Gordon Clegg. Kenwright remained with the show for a year before departing in March 1969 to focus on his producing career. Despite this, he made occasional guest appearances on Coronation Street throughout the 1970s and continued to appear on the show periodically until 2012. He also had brief roles in other television series, including The Villains and The Liver Birds. His film appearances include playing a reporter in Carry On Matron (1972) and a role in England, My England (1995). From 1997, Kenwright also took on the management of the Theatre Royal in Windsor.
7. Everton Football Club Involvement
William Kenwright's involvement with Everton Football Club was a significant aspect of his public life, spanning several decades and culminating in his chairmanship. His tenure was marked by complex financial negotiations, leadership decisions, and ambitious development plans for the club.
q=Liverpool, England|position=right
He became a member of the Everton board on 23 October 1989, and remained in this role until his death in 2023. Kenwright succeeded Littlewoods director Philip Carter as chairman. In 1999, he became the second largest shareholder after Peter Johnson was required by the Football Association to divest his interests in either Tranmere Rovers or Everton. By 2004, Kenwright had become the largest stakeholder in the club.
In 1997, when the Everton board was reportedly ready to offer Andy Gray the position of manager, Kenwright, then a director, advocated for the appointment of Howard Kendall for his third managerial stint with the club. Gray ultimately decided against taking the manager role, and Kendall was appointed.
7.1. Ownership and Business Transactions
Kenwright's pursuit of ownership in Everton FC involved several complex business transactions and consortium efforts.
His initial attempt to acquire the club came in 1994, when he led a consortium that competed with a bid from Birkenhead-based businessman Peter Johnson. Kenwright's group had received assurances from the head of the Moores family, Lady Grantchester, that they would sell their stake in the club. However, his proposal was publicly dismissed by the Liverpool Echo as the "Manchester Consortium," a label that exploited the historical rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester and consequently deterred potential supporter backing. Kenwright's consortium included Manchester-based figures such as Tom Cannon and Tony Tighe (who later established the Everton Collection), Mike Dyble, and Cheshire-based building magnate Arthur Abercromby, who offered a 2.00 M GBP interest-free loan to the club specifically for player acquisitions. Despite having served as an Everton director for ten years and possessing the influence to sway board members towards his bid, Kenwright chose not to engage in a public relations battle with the more affluent Johnson. According to Tony Tighe, Kenwright aimed to avoid public controversy and sought unanimous board approval, stating he "didn't want Everton's name to be dragged through controversy." Ultimately, Peter Johnson's bid was accepted, and Johnson subsequently appointed Kenwright as vice-chairman, while Sir Philip Carter was reinstated as chairman.
In 1999, Kenwright's consortium successfully acquired 68% of Everton FC from Peter Johnson for 20.00 M GBP. This led to the formation of a holding company, True Blue (Holdings) Ltd, in January 2000. The initial stakeholders in True Blue Holdings included Paul Gregg, Jimmy Mulville, Jon Woods, and Willy Russell, though the company was dissolved in 2004. It was reported that Anita Gregg, Paul Gregg's wife, provided a loan of up to 7.00 M GBP to Kenwright to facilitate the acquisition. Following the completion of the deal, Kenwright expressed his vision for the club, stating that "acquiring Peter Johnson's shares is only the first step to restoring a great club to where it belongs - to where it should be. If you are going to run a successful football club you need two qualities: you need to be realistic and you need a plan. I'm realistic and I have a plan."
In 2003, Kenwright pursued a plan to relocate Everton to the Kings Dock on the riverside. However, this proposal ultimately failed after a public disagreement with director Paul Gregg over the financial aspects of the move and the contentious sale of key player Wayne Rooney. While Gregg advocated for retaining Rooney, Kenwright reluctantly concluded that selling the player was necessary to alleviate the club's financial burdens. Paul and Anita Gregg subsequently sold their shares to Florida-based businessman Robert Earl. Kenwright's close associate, Philip Green, is widely believed to have provided assistance in securing the club during this period of transition.
7.2. Chairmanship and Club Management
William Kenwright officially assumed the role of chairman of Everton Football Club on 1 June 2004. On the same day, Trevor Birch was appointed as chief executive officer, succeeding the outgoing Michael Dunford. Kenwright articulated his vision for their working relationship, stating that Birch would serve as his "sounding board" and should "dictate the policy of the football club." He clarified that Birch's appointment was not intended to facilitate the sale of the club, but emphasized that a new investor could acquire his shares as long as they "have money to run the club." However, Birch resigned abruptly just six weeks later, on 16 July 2004. His resignation followed a meeting with the True Blue Holding board (comprising Kenwright, Woods, Gregg, and Abercromby) where the board decided against selling the club. Paul Gregg subsequently alleged that a refusal by other directors to relinquish control was hindering the club's progress.
7.2.1. Fortress Sports Fund
In August 2004, reports emerged that a Brunei-based entity, the Fortress Sports Fund (FSF), was interested in acquiring a stake in Everton. Following the public fallout with director Paul Gregg, it was anticipated that Gregg's shares, along with others, would be sold to this fund. Kenwright and Everton director Jon Woods expressed support for accepting the investment. However, Paul Gregg remained skeptical and refused to endorse the deal, believing the fund undervalued his investment. Reports indicated the fund's bid was 12.80 M GBP for 29.9% of the club.
By February 2005, Keith Wyness stated that the club had begun exploring other potential investors. In April 2005, Samuelson, representing the FSF, asserted that "the Fund is completed and registered," but Paul Gregg publicly challenged this claim, stating, "As a director I have not received any proof of funds - or that they even exist." The Liverpool Echo characterized the FSF situation as a "farce," with Gregg expressing feeling "led down the garden path" and that "the whole exercise has embarrassed the club." Samuelson reiterated that funds were ready, describing the lack of a certificate of incorporation as a "technicality," and stated that an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) was necessary to confirm the FSF investment. He regarded it as a "fait accompli - subject to the approval of an EGM of shareholders." However, an EGM was never called for the FSF, and the prospect of investment from the fund gradually faded from public discussion. At the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in November 2005, Kenwright acknowledged that Samuelson "was someone who I believed could have come up with the money, he had his credentials and thought he could come up with a deal that was good for the club... but he didn't, like many many other people, come up with the goods." Kenwright further stated his ongoing efforts to secure funding, adding, "I am spending 24 hours a day trying to raise finance for this club. I had a meeting today, three yesterday, all involving money that would dilute my shareholding - but I'm not interested in that."
7.2.2. 2004 Extraordinary General Meeting
By September 2004, significant concerns had grown among Everton fans regarding the club's future. As a result, an Extraordinary General Meeting was convened by shareholders, who formally expressed their "deep concern at the current state of affairs in the Company." The shareholders demanded that the board of directors resign if their previous motions were not addressed to their satisfaction. Kenwright was known for his approachability with fans, and prior to this EGM, he notably contacted a fan website before informing the press about the meeting.
7.2.3. 2008 Extraordinary General Meeting
In 2007, Kenwright publicly stated in an interview on ITV that Goodison Park, Everton's long-standing home ground, would soon fail to obtain a ground safety certificate. He announced his desire to relocate the club to Kirkby as part of a proposed development project known as Destination Kirkby. This ambitious plan included the construction of a Tesco supermarket and a retail park. The pursuit of this controversial project led to minor shareholders of the club calling for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in 2008. Following the confirmation that the EGM would proceed, Keith Wyness resigned from his position and was replaced by Robert Elstone, who was promoted internally.
At this meeting, Kenwright disclosed that he sought business advice from prominent retail industry leaders, Sir Philip Green and Sir Terry Leahy. Despite this, the minority shareholders concluded that the club should not pursue the Kirkby project, citing a growing number of concerns. However, Kenwright and the other majority shareholders, leveraging their collective voting power through a "one share, one vote" mechanism, successfully defeated the resolution proposed by the minority shareholders, thereby allowing the project to proceed. The "Destination Kirkby" project was subsequently reviewed by the Secretary of State, leading to a public inquiry. This inquiry ultimately determined that the project should not proceed, having heard compelling evidence from groups that opposed the scheme, most notably Keep Everton In Our City (KEIOC). In April 2008, Kenwright also agreed to produce Dixie: The People's Legend, a documentary film about Everton legend Dixie Dean, which was produced by the Liverpool-based company Tabacula.
7.3. Financial and Investment Matters
Throughout his leadership at Everton FC, William Kenwright faced significant financial challenges and continually sought to secure investment for the club. His attempts to bring in external funding, such as the proposed deal with the Fortress Sports Fund, highlighted the ongoing financial pressures and complexities of managing a professional football club. The public disagreements and eventual failure of these investment pursuits, along with the controversial sale of key players like Wayne Rooney, underscored the difficult decisions Kenwright had to make concerning fiscal responsibility and balancing sporting ambition with economic realities. These financial matters were frequently a source of public debate and criticism, particularly among frustrated fan groups concerned about the club's direction.
8. Personal Life
William Kenwright's personal life included several significant relationships and family connections, providing a backdrop to his public career.
8.1. Relationships and Family
Kenwright was married to actress Anouska Hempel from 1978 to 1980. He had a daughter and two grandchildren from his relationship with actress Virginia Stride. Until his death in 2023, Kenwright was in a long-term relationship with actress Jenny Seagrove, with whom he resided in London. His nephew, Adam Kenwright, is also involved in the entertainment industry, running the advertising and marketing company aka.
9. Death
William Kenwright's passing in 2023 followed a period of illness, prompting widespread tributes across the sectors he influenced.
On 12 October 2023, Everton Football Club issued an update on Kenwright's health, stating that he had undergone a major medical procedure six weeks prior to remove a cancerous tumor from his liver, following a diagnosis in early August. The statement confirmed the procedure's success but noted that complications during surgery necessitated a prolonged stay in an intensive care unit. His recovery was described as expected to be lengthy but complete. Kenwright ultimately died of liver cancer on 23 October 2023, at the age of 78.
Following the publication of his obituary in The Guardian, an anecdote was shared by a reader who had known Kenwright during their time in the National Youth Theatre around 1963. The reader recalled Kenwright's broad Merseyside accent causing amusement during a production of Richard III at the Scala Theatre, particularly when he delivered the line as Third Messenger: "By sudd'n fludds, Buckin-gum's ahhmee is dispehhhrsed 'n' scatta'd." To honor his contributions, theatres across the United Kingdom dimmed their lights for two minutes on 26 October 2023, marking his passing.
10. Honours and Awards
William Kenwright received several formal recognitions and honorary titles throughout his distinguished career, acknowledging his significant contributions to both the arts and wider society.
10.1. Honours and Degrees
Kenwright was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2001 New Year Honours for his dedicated services to film and theatre. He also received an Honorary Fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University and was appointed an Honorary Professor at the University of West London. In November 2008, he was conferred an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) by Nottingham Trent University, in recognition of his outstanding contribution and commitment to British theatre. In a lighter moment, on 3 January 2014, Kenwright appeared on the BBC show Pointless Celebrities with his partner Jenny Seagrove. They reached the final and won the Pointless trophy, though they missed out on the 2.50 K GBP jackpot due to incorrect answers.
11. Assessment and Impact
William Kenwright's career spanned multiple fields, leaving a distinct legacy across theatre, film, music, and sports. His impact is viewed through lenses of both significant artistic and commercial achievement, alongside considerable debate regarding his business practices and leadership, particularly concerning Everton FC.
11.1. Positive Contributions
Kenwright's positive contributions are most evident in the theatre industry. He was a prolific producer responsible for numerous long-running and commercially successful productions, notably Blood Brothers and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. His commitment to the sector was further demonstrated by his role in nurturing new talent and providing extensive employment opportunities; it was estimated that he employed more actors annually than any organization in the UK apart from the BBC. This not only bolstered the financial stability of many performers but also enriched the cultural landscape of British theatre. His ventures into film and music also showcased a diverse artistic vision, supporting various creative projects and artists.
11.2. Criticisms and Controversies
Despite his achievements, Kenwright's career, particularly his leadership at Everton Football Club, attracted considerable criticism and controversy. His management of Everton was often characterized by attempts to secure investment that frequently fell through, such as the protracted and ultimately unsuccessful dealings with the Fortress Sports Fund. These financial challenges and the perceived lack of transparency, as highlighted by director Paul Gregg, led to fan unrest and multiple shareholder meetings.
The proposed relocation of Everton from Goodison Park to Kirkby through the "Destination Kirkby" project was a major source of contention. Despite Kenwright and the majority shareholders pushing the project forward after a contentious 2008 Extraordinary General Meeting, it faced strong opposition from fan groups like Keep Everton In Our City (KEIOC) and was ultimately rejected by a public inquiry. This demonstrated a disconnect between the club's leadership and a significant portion of its fanbase regarding crucial decisions affecting the club's identity and community ties. Critics often pointed to the financial struggles and lack of on-field success during much of his chairmanship as indicators of questionable fiscal management and strategic direction.
11.3. Legacy
William Kenwright's legacy is that of a powerful and multifaceted figure in British entertainment and sport. In theatre, he will be remembered as a producer who championed popular musicals and plays, providing consistent work for countless actors and helping to launch the careers of new producers. His dedication to Everton Football Club, though marked by significant challenges and controversies, was characterized by a deep personal passion and a sustained effort to secure its future. His varied career, from actor and singer to film producer and football chairman, reflects a remarkable breadth of interests and an enduring presence in the cultural and sporting landscape of the United Kingdom.