Born: 1926 (Bromley, Kent)
Died: 2018
Biography:
Dame Gillian Barbara Lynne, born Gillian Barbara Pyrke on February 20, 1926, in Bromley, Kent, was a prominent English ballerina, dancer, choreographer, actress, and theatre-television director. She is best known for her iconic theatre choreography associated with two of the longest-running shows in Broadway history, Cats and The Phantom of the Opera. Gillian Lynne’s contributions to the world of dance and theatre have left a lasting impact on the performing arts industry.
Gillian Lynne was a precocious dance talent from a young age. Despite experiencing tragedy at the tender age of 13 when her mother died in a car crash, she found solace and purpose in dance. The doctor who attended to her family noticed Lynne’s gift for dancing when her mother expressed concerns about her fidgeting and lack of focus. Recognizing her talent, the doctor urged Lynne’s mother to enroll her in a dance school. This moment would prove to be a turning point in Lynne’s life and the beginning of a remarkable career.
Lynne’s talent caught the attention of Ninette de Valois while she was dancing for Molly Lake’s Company at the People’s Palace during World War II. De Valois invited her to join Sadler’s Wells Ballet, where Lynne became a member of the company. She made her debut in Sleeping Beauty on the night of her 20th birthday at the Royal Opera House, marking the start of her ascent as a dramatic ballerina. Lynne’s performances as the Black Queen in de Valois’s Checkmate, the Queen of the Wilis in Giselle, and in roles created for her by Frederick Ashton and Robert Helpmann showcased her immense talent and garnered critical acclaim.
After leaving Sadler’s Wells Ballet in 1951, Lynne ventured into the world of West End theatre, where she achieved instant success. She dazzled audiences at the London Palladium as the star dancer and continued to captivate audiences in various roles, including the memorable performance as Claudine in Can-Can at the Coliseum Theatre. Lynne’s versatility extended beyond the stage and into the silver screen, where she appeared opposite Errol Flynn in the film The Master of Ballantrae, directed by William Keighley.
Lynne’s career reached new heights when she delved into choreography. Her groundbreaking work with Andrew Lloyd Webber on Cats and The Phantom of the Opera solidified her status as one of the most innovative and influential choreographers of her time. The success and longevity of both productions can be attributed, in part, to Lynne’s imaginative and meticulously crafted dance sequences. Cats, which premiered in London in 1981, became an international sensation, running for 21 years in the West End and 18 years on Broadway. The Phantom of the Opera, which debuted in London in 1986, has become the longest-running show in Broadway history, surpassing even Cats.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions to the performing arts, Gillian Lynne was honored with numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. At the age of 87, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the 2014 New Year Honours List. This distinguished title further solidified her position as one of the most esteemed figures in the world of dance and theatre.
Tragically, Gillian Lynne passed away on July 1, 2018, leaving behind a remarkable legacy and irreplaceable contributions to the performing arts. In tribute to her extraordinary career, the New London Theatre, where the original West End production of Cats played, was officially renamed the Gillian Lynne Theatre in 2018. This historic moment made Lynne the first non-royal woman to have a West End theatre bear her name, an honor befitting her immense talent and significant impact on the world of dance and theatre.
Awards:
– Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (2014 New Year Honours List)