John Gale OBE

Apart from being chairman of London Welsh Rugby Club between 1979 and 1981, John was a much-loved impresario of the theatre, producing over 100 productions, both in the UK and abroad. He produced one feature film Maroc 7 in 1967. 

He was President of the Society of West End Theatre, now Society of London Theatre ( SOLT) 1972 -75 and Chairman of the Theatres National Committee 1979 -1985. Together with Sir Peter Saunders and Ray Cooney, he changed the SWET Awards into the Olivier Awards that we know today.  He also was pivotal in creating the Half Price Ticket Booth in Leicester Square. 

Cameron Mackintosh said that John was “truly one of the godfathers of British Theatre.” 

He was awarded the OBE in 1987 for services to theatre. 

John Gale’s Funeral will be held at All Saint’s Church, East Dean, West Sussex at 2.00pm Friday May 30th