2026 Centenary Year
March 2026
“The Art of Theatre is Togetherness” – Dame Gillian Lynne
This year marks the centenary of Dame Gillian Lynne, a moment to honour, celebrate and pay tribute to one of the most remarkable figures in the history of British theatre.
Born on 20 February 1926, Gillian Lynne's career spanned more than seven decades. She trained as a ballet dancer, rose to become a principal at Sadler's Wells, and went on to choreograph and direct some of the most beloved and enduring musicals ever staged. Her work on CATS and The Phantom of the Opera alone has been seen by hundreds of millions of people across the world — and her choreography continues to be performed every night on stages from London's West End to Broadway and beyond.
But those who knew her will tell you that her impact extended far beyond the steps she created. Gillie was a force of nature — warm, generous, endlessly enthusiastic and utterly dedicated to the art form she loved. She inspired generations of performers, directors and choreographers, and left a legacy that is woven into the fabric of musical theatre itself.
To mark her centenary, a year of celebrations, tributes and special events has been planned, each one a reflection of the joy, passion and brilliance she brought to everything she did.
From New York to London's West End, this centenary year will bring together the people who loved Gillie, worked alongside her and continue to be inspired by her.
Centenary Launch At His Majesty’s Theatre, London
February 2026
The centenary celebrations began on Gillie’s birthday at His Majesty's Theatre, London, the home of the original Phantom of the Opera. Peter Land was joined by some of Gillie's nearest and dearest for Dame Cocktails before heading in to watch the show that, night after night, continues to perform her choreography and staging
Andrew Lloyd Webber - The Box Five Club Features Gillian Lynne
February 2026
Andrew Lloyd Webber's Box Five — the home of his most dedicated fans — honoured Gillie with a special takeover celebrating her life and legacy.
“Celebrating The Centenary of Dame Gillian Lynne”
Sardi’s New York Portrait
March 2026
The legendary Sardi's restaurant in New York — home to the famous caricatures of theatre's greatest names, lining its walls for nearly a century — paid tribute to Gillie by adding her portrait to its celebrated collection. It was a fitting honour for someone whose work has shaped Broadway as profoundly as it has the West End …
Gillian Lynne Theatre - New Images & Video Installation
May 2026
On 11 May 2026, friends, colleagues and collaborators will gather at the theatre that bears Gillie's name to mark her centenary in the most fitting of ways. The date carries its own significance. On 11 May 1981, Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS opened at what is now the Gillian Lynne Theatre, renamed in her honour by Andrew in 2018. The show would go on to define her legacy …
Gillian Lynne Theatre Key Presentation
May 2026
When Andrew Lloyd Webber renamed the New London Theatre in Gillian's honour in 2018, he gifted her a beautiful key to the building. It was his way of saying that this theatre, and everything that happened within it, belonged to her.
To mark her centenary, that gesture has been given a new life. A presentation key, inspired by the original …