One of the most prolific West End producers, Paul Elliott, has sadly died at the age of 84. No cause of death has yet been announced. Theatres across the West End dimmed their lights for two minutes at 7pm today (January 28) in remembrance of the pantomime producer.  

The Society of London Theatre President Kash Bennett said in an emotional statement: “Paul Elliott was a major force in British theatre, producing more than 60 West End productions and hundreds of pantomimes over six decades. His work ranged from long-running commercial musicals to acclaimed dramas, including the Olivier Award-winning Stones in His Pockets. Through a partnership with Duncan C. Weldon and productions featuring many of the UK’s most celebrated actors, Paul helped shape the modern commercial theatre landscape at home and internationally.

“On behalf of SOLT & UK Theatre, I extend our sincere condolences to Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues at this sad time.” Actress Vicki Michelle took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to the producer alongside a sweet snap of the pair together.

It read: “So sad to hear of the passing of Paul Elliott. One of our Greatest Producers. I did my first panto and many others with him. Wonderful memory at a Ray Cooney Garden Party. Sending Love to Linda and Family. RIP Paul.”  

Paul started producing theatre shows back in 1958 with a Rep season at Rhyl and went on to produce over 482 pantomimes in 45 years, earning him the title of the ‘King of Panto’. 

He also boasted a showbiz career as an actor, with his first role in Agatha Christie’s Murder in the Vicarage, and other credits including Dicon and Dock Green, before setting up his own theatrical production company, E&B Productions, with Peter Byrne.  

In 2018, Elliott was awarded the Special Recognition Prize at the Olivier Awards for his services to the industry. Paul’s many West End productions included the long-running musical Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, which is still the 11th-longest-running musical in West End history.  

He was also the brains behind Jolson starring Brian Conley, Stones in His Pockets, Dirty Dancing, and Ray Cooney’s Run for Your Wife, amongst others. He also produced various shows across the pond on Broadway, including Private Lives starring Kim Cattrall, and I Do, I Do, starring Rock Hudson.  

Stepping away from the stage in 2018, Paul published his memoirs titled Keeping My Balls In The Air: The Random Memoirs of a Theatre Producer.