Honoring Bill Kenwright

The RYTC team was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend and patron Bill Kenwright CBE. 

Bill was a partner, father, grandfather, great friend and patron. He will be missed by many and this is testament to his giving nature and impact on the theatre and creative arts space. The team wanted to honour his legacy and influence with this memorial page.

The RYTC’s Artistic Director started her career in Bill Kenwright’s work family. Bill told her to go and open her own youth theatre, because ‘being creative is so important for our kids!’ His mantra… “go and do it”!! And if “it” is right – then you can’t fail.”

To name only a fraction of the awards and achievements Bill received are the notable honour of a CBE in 2002, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Theatrical Management Association in 2008, and an honourary BBC Radio 2 special episode of Friday Night in 2017 broadcast from the London Palladium itself. Bill was nominated for a London Theatre Critics’ Award for West Side Story and a Tony Award for Blood Brothers.

This multi-award winning career saw Bill’s West End productions constantly in notable venues such as the RSC, Dominion, Palladium, Apollo and many others. Ensuring his legacy as one of the UK’s most successful theatre producers.

Bill embodied the spirit of empowering young people through creative opportunities. His legacy will be felt and continued through the many groups and communities he supported with the mission of providing opportunities to local young people. Bill made his community and generations of people richer through experiences such as finding like minds, getting creative and fostering confidence in young people.

The RYTC in memory of Bill will continue to “go and do it” as his legacy will continue to empower our team, kids and encourage everyone to be creative.

Our thoughts are with Bill’s family at this difficult time and also with the many people we know he impacted for the better.

At RYTC, we’re doing something amazing with our new drama workshop, Tell Your Story! It’s made especially for adults seeking asylum, and it’s all about helping people share their journeys in a fun and creative way. We know that telling your story can be tough, but with drama, it becomes exciting and empowering!

Here’s how this workshop makes a meaningful impact:

A Safe Place to Be Yourself!

Seeking asylum can be really hard—new country, new culture, and a lot of uncertainty. That’s why RYTC has created this workshop, where people can feel safe, supported, and free to express themselves. Drama is a great way to let out feelings, reflect on what’s happened, and share personal experiences. It’s a place where you can be creative and tell your story, your way!

The Magic of Storytelling

Telling stories is such a powerful way to connect with others! In Tell Your Story, participants get to use theatre techniques like role-play, improvisation, and even monologues to bring their experiences to life. It’s not about being a perfect actor—it’s about sharing your emotions, dreams, and challenges in a way that feels right for you. And through storytelling, you can also start to heal and imagine a brighter future!

Building Friendships and Community

One of the best parts of Tell Your Story is the strong sense of community it creates! People who might feel lonely or lost get to meet others who are going through similar experiences. Everyone works together, and soon, they’re making friends, sharing stories, and realising they’re not alone. The workshop becomes more than just drama—it’s a place of belonging.

Giving People a Voice

Not only do participants get to share their stories in the workshop, but these stories sometimes turn into amazing performances for the public! It’s a chance to let the wider community hear the voices of asylum seekers and understand their courage and resilience. These performances help change how people see those seeking asylum, building empathy and understanding.

A Life-Changing Experience

For many, Tell Your Story is truly life-changing! It’s about gaining confidence, feeling proud of your journey, and realising that your story matters. By sharing their experiences, participants find healing and a new sense of purpose. It’s not just drama—it’s about empowerment, hope, and the strength to keep moving forward.

At RYTC, we believe in the power of drama to transform lives, and Tell Your Story is just the beginning. We’re proud to offer this workshop and help create positive change through the magic of theatre!

#ChangingLivesCreatively