The original producer of this production of The Woman in Black and founder of PW Productions, Peter Wilson MBE, combined his work as a commercial producer with being Chief Executive of Norwich Theatre Royal from 1992-2016. Peter also served as Vice Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk up until his death in September last year and was a passionate advocate for engaging young people with theatre.
To mark his contribution to the cultural life of Norfolk, Norwich Theatre, PW Productions and Norfolk Lieutenancy have jointly offered the tickets to targeted schools and community groups, for performances of The Woman in Black at Norwich Theatre Royal next week.
Stephen Mallatratt’s adaptation of Susan Hill’s best-selling novel tells the story of a lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over his family by the spectre of a ‘Woman in Black’. He engages a young actor to help him tell his story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. The play is regularly on school curriculum.
Over 33 years, The Woman in Black has played more than 13,000 performances in the West End and been seen by more than 7 million people in the UK. In June 2019 the production celebrated its 30th Anniversary in London’s West End with a special gala performance. It is now on a UK tour, and in Norwich 15 – 20 Jan.
Stephen Crocker, Chief Executive and Creative Director of Norwich Theatre said: “We mark Peter’s commitment to the cultural life of Norfolk and his passion for inspiring and engaging children and young people through this offer of tickets to schools and community groups across our county. Peter’s legacy, both visible and invisible, is profound and will continue to live on through the work of Norwich Theatre, the many other organisations that benefitted from his support, and all those that he inspired.”
Lady Dannatt MBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk said: “Peter was a Deputy Lieutenant for Norfolk for nearly 20 years, and then he became my Vice Lord-Lieutenant in 2020. With his customary charm and enthusiasm, Peter wholeheartedly embraced this role as he relished the opportunities the Lieutenancy afforded him to meet people from all walks of life. When Peter presented Citizenship Certificates, King’s Awards for Voluntary Service or King’s Awards for Enterprise, he always made the recipients feel both special and at ease. We all miss him so much.”
Chief Executive of PW Productions, Iain Gillie, said: “Following the sad death of PW Productions founder, Peter Wilson in September 2023, it feels very special to be bringing The Woman in Black to Norwich Theatre Royal this January, where Peter served as Chief Executive for 25 years. The production comes to Norwich having finished its 33-year West End run in March 2023, making it one of London’s longest running plays.
“In memory of Peter, we are delighted to be able to offer 500 free tickets to local schools across Norfolk. The Woman in Black has been many young people’s first experience of seeing live theatre and Peter was passionate about extending access to theatre to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to go. We therefore hope to celebrate Peter’s legacy by bringing this legendary production to a new generation of theatregoers at a theatre and city that was so special to him.”
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