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Gillian Lynne

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BIO

Gillian Lynne was a leading soloist with Sadler’s Wells Ballet, the star dancer at the Palladium, played opposite Errol Flynn in the movies and danced with all the greats on TV. She became instrumental in the development of jazz dance in Britain and her distinctive style – a fusion of classical and jazz – led to her groundbreaking work on the world-famous Cats, which was recognised with a new category of Olivier Award, specially created for her to acknowledge Outstanding Achievement of the Year in a Musical. Cats continues to be produced worldwide Gillian’s 50-plus Broadway and West End shows include: Tonight at 8.30, Love on the Dole, The Match Girls, TomFoolery, Jeeves Takes Charge, Cabaret, The Roar of the Greasepaint, Pickwick, The Card, Phil The Fluter, Hans Christian Andersen, My Fair Lady, Songbook, The Phantom of the Opera and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.



For the Royal Shakespeare Company: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Comedy of Errors, The Way of the World, As You Like It, Once in a Lifetime and The Boy Friend. She has previously worked with Adrian Noble on the RSC production The Secret Garden.

Gillian’s opera productions include the direction of Bluebeard, The Trojans, The Midsummer Marriage, The Flying Dutchman and Parsifal. Among Gillian’s ballets are Breakaway, Lippizaner, The Brontes and Journey for the Bolshoi.

On television, Gillian has directed The Various Ends of Mrs F’s Friends, Easy Money, The Look of Love, The Morte d’Arthur, which won the Samuel G Engel Award in America, and A Simple Man, which won a 1987 BAFTA.

She staged many of The Muppet Shows for ATV and her 11 feature films include A Wonderful Life, Half a Sixpence, Man of La Mancha and Yentl. Gillian’s most recent productions include the staging of a special gala in New York to celebrate The Phantom of the Opera overtaking Cats as the longest-running show on Broadway and Phantom – the Las Vegas Spectacular.

She was awarded the Austrian Silver Order of Merit for her production of Cats in Vienna, a Moliere award for Cats in Paris, and in 2001 she was honoured by the Royal Academy of Dance with the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award. Gillian was awarded the CBE in 1997.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[London Fringe]
Original London Production, 1960
Performer

[West End]
London Production, 1954
Claudine

Productions

 
[West End, 2021]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 2016]
Original Choreographer
 
[West End, 2014]
Associate Director and Choreographer
 
[Las Vegas, 2006]
Choreographer
 
[Regional (UK), 2005]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 2005]
Choreographer
Choreographer
Choreographer
 
[West End, 2002]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1990]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 1989]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1988]
Choreographer
Musical Staging
 
[West End, 1986]
Director/Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1982]
Associate Director
Choreographer
 
[West End, 1981]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 1974]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 1971]
Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1967]
Choreographer
 
[West End, 1966]
Director/Choreographer
 
[Broadway, 1965]
Choreographer

Awards and Nominations


winner
Olivier Awards - 2013 - Special Award

Gillian Lynne

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Choreography

Gillian Lynne , Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Olivier Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Musical Production

Gillian LynneDick Whittington

Drama Desk Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Choreography

Gillian Lynne, Phantom of the Opera

Tony Awards - 1988 - Best Choreography

Gillian Lynne, The Phantom of the Opera

Tony Awards - 1983 - Best Choreography

Gillian Lynne, Cats


winner
Olivier Awards - 1981 - Outstanding Achievement of the Year in a Musical

Gillian Lynne, Cats

Videos

News


Ann Morrison, Heathcliff Saunders and More Set for JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR At Asolo Repertory Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 12, 2025

Asolo Repertory Theatre has announced complete casting for the epic closing of the 2024 – 2025 Season, Jesus Christ Superstar, which begins previews on May 14, 2025. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Tim Rice and directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes. Jesus Christ Superstar runs May 14 – June 15. 
WEST END UNSCRIPTED! Reveals Sir Derek Jacobi as Next Special Guest Star
by Stephi Wild - Apr 10, 2025

Producer and Director Tegan Summer has announced the latest West End Unscripted! Honouree as Sir Derek Jacobi. After its inaugural show in March, West End Unscripted! Is taking its second show to the Gillian Lynne Theatre.
Three Cast Members Set For Australian Tour of CATS
by Stephi Wild - Apr 9, 2025

The first three cast members have been announced for the 40th Anniversary Australian tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's record-breaking musical CATS.
Olivier Awards 2025- All the Winners!
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 6, 2025

The Olivier Awards 2025 were held at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Beverley Knight and Billy Porter. We have the full list of winners here!
BroadwayWorld UK's Olivier Awards 2025 Predictions
by BWW UK Critics - Apr 4, 2025

Established in 1976, the Olivier Awards celebrate the world-class status of London theatre, and are Britain’s most prestigious stage honours. Leading the way this year is Tom Scutt's Fiddler on the Roof which matches Hamilton's record-breaking 13 nominations, represented in every acting and creative category.
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at His Majesty's Theatre Extends Booking
by Stephi Wild - Mar 26, 2025

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at His Majesty’s Theatre has extended its booking through March 2026. Tickets are on sale now! Learn more here!
New Subscriptions Available for 2025-26 Broadway at The Paramount Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 24, 2025

New subscriptions packages are availalbe for Broadway at The Paramount's 2025-26 season. Packages include seven season shows. See the shows here and learn how to purchase tickets.
THE NOTEBOOK, SIX, and More Set For Segerstrom Center for the Arts 2025/26 Broadway Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 20, 2025

Segerstrom Center for the Arts has announced the lineup for its 2025-26 Broadway season featuring eleven productions. Learn more about the full upcoming lineup here!
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Returns To Chicago
by Stephi Wild - Mar 19, 2025

Cameron Mackintosh has announced that a revitalized new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, will play Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre.
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and More Set for Broadway in Portland 2025-26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 18, 2025

Broadway in Portland has revealed the 2025-2026 season of Broadway shows at Keller Auditorium. The season will feature touring productions direct from Broadway in addition to some returning all-time classics. Learn more!
THE NOTEBOOK, HADESTOWN & More Come To The Fabulous Fox for the 2025-26 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 13, 2025

The Fabulous Fox has unveiled its 2025-2026 Broadway season, featuring the Tony Award winning production of LIFE OF PI, a love story for the ages in THE NOTEBOOK, and more.
STEREOPHONIC, SUFFS, HELL'S KITCHEN, and More Set For Broadway in Hollywood 2025-26 Season
by Stephi Wild - Mar 7, 2025

The 2025-26 season has been announced for Broadway in Hollywood, set for the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. Learn more about the full season and find out how to get tickets here!
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, GIANTS, THE YEARS, and More Nominated For 2025 Olivier Awards; Full List!
by Stephi Wild - Mar 4, 2025

The nominations have been announced for the Olivier Awards 2025. Among the nominees are Fiddler on the Roof, Giants, and The Years. Check out the full list of nominees here!
THE NOTEBOOK, SHUCKED and More Set for BroadwaySF 2025/26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 24, 2025

BroadwaySF has unveiled the lineup for its 2025/26 season, featuring seven acclaimed Broadway productions. The season kicks off with the hilarious Tony Award-winning musical comedy, SHUCKED. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
PHANTOM, HAMILTON, and THE LION KING Announced As Broadway In Detroit Season Extras
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 22, 2025

Broadway In Detroit has announced three blockbuster hit shows coming to Detroit as season extras in the 2025 – 26 season including the highly anticipated new tour of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and more.
Review: KENREX, Southwark Playhouse
by Franco Milazzo - Feb 19, 2025

In a vigorous virtuoso performance that demands to be seen, Jack Holden brings to exhilarating life a true-life crime story from half a century ago.
Meet the Cast of OPERATION MINCEMEAT, Now in Previews on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Feb 15, 2025

The acclaimed new musical Operation Mincemeat, which took the West End by storm in 2023, is coming to Broadway, starring the original London cast. Previews begin tonight, February 15, at the John Golden Theatre. Meet the cast here!
Hadley Fraser Will Bring Solo Concert to Cadogan Hall
by Nicole Rosky - Feb 7, 2025

West End star Hadley Fraser will perform his first ever solo concert at Cadogan Hall. The event marks the launch of his upcoming album, Things That Come and Go
THE WIZ, SUFFS, PHANTOM And More Announced for 2025-2026 Broadway On Hennepin Season
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 7, 2025

Hennepin Arts has unveiled its 2025-2026 Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin season, featuring 11 fresh and compelling Broadway productions coming to downtown Minneapolis.
Video: Megan Ellis & Annabel Marlow Sing 'Amazing' From MURIEL'S WEDDING; Full Cast Set
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 5, 2025

Co-producers Curve and Global Creatures have revealed the full company of MURIEL’S WEDDING THE MUSICAL. Watch a brand-new video of Megan Ellis and Annabel Marlow singing ‘Amazing’ here!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Gillian Lynne been in?

Gillian Lynne has not appeared on Broadway.

How many West End shows has Gillian Lynne been in?

Gillian Lynne has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What was Gillian Lynne's first West End show?

Gillian Lynne's first West End show was Can-Can which opened in 1954

What awards has Gillian Lynne been nominated for?

Special Award (Olivier Awards) for , Outstanding Choreography (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang , Outstanding Musical Production (Olivier Awards) for Dick Whittington, Outstanding Choreography (Drama Desk Awards) for Phantom of the Opera, Best Choreography (Tony Awards) for The Phantom of the Opera, Best Choreography (Tony Awards) for Cats and Outstanding Achievement of the Year in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for Cats.

What awards has Gillian Lynne won?

Gillian Lynne has won the Special Award at the Olivier Awards and the Outstanding Achievement of the Year in a Musical at the Olivier Awards for her work on Cats.

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