West Finish theatre renamed after Cats choreographer Gillian Lynne 
Symbol copyright Craig Sugden
The unique London house of Cats has been renamed after its choreographer, turning into the primary West Finish theatre to be named after a non-royal lady.
The New London Theatre was once formally renamed the Gillian Lynne Theatre on Friday at a rite hosted via Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Waterproof coat.
"You've made many stars glance glorious over your occupation, however lately you're the big name," mentioned Sir Cameron.
Cats, for which Lynne received an Olivier, ran on the venue from 1981 to 2002.
The previous ballerina, now 92, was once made a dame in 2014 for services and products to bop and musical theatre.
Dame Gillian's tom cat choreography for Lloyd Webber's musical was once a significant component in its extra special good fortune.
In line with Previous Possum's E-book of Sensible Cats via TS Eliot, the display opened in Would possibly 1981 with Elaine Paige, Bonnie Langford and Paul Nicholas amongst its forged.
After Cats, Lynne labored with Lord Lloyd-Webber once more on The Phantom of the Opera and Sides of Love.
Her many different credit come with the level model of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Barbra Streisand's movie Yentl.
Friday's match noticed a temporary dance efficiency from Cats adopted via Dame Gillian being carried onto the level on a golden throne.
The veteran choreographer was once then offered with a key to the theatre via Lord Lloyd-Webber, whose Faculty of Rock musical is lately enjoying there.
Lynne, who printed this yr that her 90s had "no longer been sort", advised the target audience she may infrequently imagine the "improbable" accolade.
To affectionate laughter, she expressed "how fortunate" she felt to be honoured via "two such particular, sexy males - even on a foul day".
"It appeared so obtrusive to call the theatre after her," mentioned Lord Lloyd-Webber afterwards. "I used to be ashamed I didn't recall to mind it previous."
Waterproof coat echoed his sentiments whilst clarifying that the Dame Gillian Lynne showcase lately housed at his Victoria Palace Theatre would stay in situ.
Langford, who performed Rumpleteazer in Cats and who can now be observed as Carmel within the BBC's EastEnders, mentioned it was once an "peculiar honour" and "very becoming".
"No longer simplest is it a theatre named after a girl, it's a girl who's nonetheless dwelling and really a lot provide," she advised the BBC.
"Her title will now stay in lighting fixtures without end, which is what she has at all times sought after."
"It's glorious and well timed that Gillian will have to be given this honour," mentioned Paige, who performed Grizabella in Cats and who now items a Sunday afternoon display on BBC Radio 2.
"I used to be very proud to be a part of Cats, so that you could come again to this theatre and notice her be lauded is solely good."
"It's a tribute to the entire choreographers and motion administrators who've made our musical theatre as nice as it's," mentioned the theatre proprietor and manufacturer Nica Burns.
'Spoilt for selection'
Although London's West Finish has many theatres bearing the names of male actors and playwrights, Lynne is the primary non-royal lady to have that honour.
The Previous Vic, the Apollo Victoria and the Victoria Palace are named after Queen Victoria, whilst Her Majesty's Theatre is so named for Queen Elizabeth II.
Males, by contrast, are neatly represented, with John Gielgud, Harold Pinter, Noel Coward and Ivor Novello amongst the ones to have theatres bearing their title.
This contrasts with New York, the place you will see that the Ethel Barrymore Theater, the Vivian Beaumont Theater and the Lucille Lortel Theatre amongst others.
When requested who will have to be the following lady to have a theatre in her honour, Elaine Paige admitted she was once "spoilt for selection".
"There are many dames round so take your select," the Evita big name advised the BBC. "There are such a large amount of deserving applicants."
"You're no longer going to tempt me into naming names," mentioned Burns, co-owner of six London properties. "All these issues should be very moderately regarded as."
"It'll occur naturally," insisted Waterproof coat. "The most efficient concepts are Eureka moments, so expectantly the following one will appear simply as obtrusive."
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