West End theatres to dim their lights for Sir Patrick Stewart on Tuesday 3 November

West End theatres will dim their lights for two minutes at 7pm on Tuesday 3 November in remembrance of Sir Patrick Stewart, who has died aged 86. The tribute was announced by the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre.

What has the industry said?

Hannah Essex, Co-CEO of the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre, said: “The theatre industry is mourning the loss of one of the greatest stage actors this country has ever seen. Sir Patrick Stewart was an acting giant whose seven-decade career is testament to his extraordinary talent and presence. We are proud to be able to pay tribute to him and extend our condolences to his loved ones.”

Why does he mean so much to British theatre?

Stewart made his professional stage debut in 1959 at the Theatre Royal in Bristol, and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966. He appeared in around 60 productions with the RSC before worldwide recognition arrived on screen as Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Professor Charles Xavier.

He never left the stage behind. He returned to the RSC as Prospero in The Tempest in 2006, which went on to play in the West End the following year, and shared the stage with his close friend Sir Ian McKellen in Waiting for Godot in the West End and on Broadway.

Knighted in 2010 for services to drama, he won Olivier Awards for Antony and Cleopatra in 1979 and Hamlet in 2009, while his one man production of A Christmas Carol was also honoured at the Oliviers.

When does the tribute take place?

The lights will be dimmed at 7pm on Tuesday 3 November.

Where can readers find out more?

For a fuller look back at his life and career on stage, read our tribute to Sir Patrick Stewart.