Westacre Theatre in West Norfolk pays tribute after former Norwich Theatre Royal chief executive Peter Wilson dies aged 72

A theatre team is mourning the death of a former chairman who spent nearly three decades as chief executive of Norwich Theatre Royal.

Peter Wilson, who chaired the charitable foundation at Westacre Theatre and was a crew member since its inception, passed away aged 72 after a battle with cancer.

Tributes have since flooded in, with many highlighting the work he carried out to transform the fortunes of the Norwich venue.

He was presented with an Olivier Award by the Society of London Theatre in March this year recognising his contribution to theatre, while he was the producer of 'Woman in Black' in the city’s West End for 33 years.

Also spearheading the touring production of the National Theatre's 'Inspector Calls', his theatrical experience has been described as “extraordinary”.

The founders of West Acre’s venue said: “We at Westacre Theatre are deeply saddened by the loss of Peter Wilson, former chairman of our charitable foundation, and friend and mentor to the theatre since is inception.

“He provided a wealth of industry knowledge to our theatre in the early days, and kindness and guidance right up until this summer. We are truly grateful to him for all he contributed.”

Peter’s past roles in West Norfolk theatre included Prospero in one of Westacre Theatre Company's early productions on the ruins of West Acre Abbey.

He was involved from the very beginnings of theatre at West Acre, and was a key figure on and off stage in its formative years.

The second open air season in 1991 was played out on the lawns in front of Abbey House. The audience was treated to Peter giving a carousing yet wistful version of Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night.

The next year, he played with similar gusto the rollicking womaniser Sir John Falstaff in The Merry Wives of Windsor.

In 1993, the location was moved over the river to the ruins of the Augustinian West Acre Abbey – and for the next ten years or so, against the backdrop of the old Abbey walls, audiences bore witness to Peter performing in a host of famous Shakespearian roles – including Oberon, Petruchio, Prospero.

“Each one played with intelligence, wit, great timing and charisma. He never fluffed a line – or if he did no one ever noticed,” The Westacre founders said.

“And his presence in the company with his characteristic humour, kindness, and professionalism laid the benchmark for all the rest of us to aspire to. He was a joy to work with. He was quick-witted and caring.

“Playing Petruchio one night, the voluminous pantaloons he was wearing split right down one leg and, quick as a flash, he whipped off his rag of a scarf, tied it round his leg and played on like an Elizabethan buccaneer.

“Despite great luck with the weather over the years, sometimes it could be unseasonably cold and wet and many times he discarded a coat or a cloak to whisk round the shoulders of a shivering cast member.

“In Taming of the Shrew one stormy night, he whipped off a tablecloth and draped it over a wet and weeping Kate.”

A statement from Norwich Theatre Royal said: “All of us at Norwich Theatre are saddened by news of the death of Peter Wilson. We send our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones.

“Peter’s tenure as chief executive of Norwich Theatre Royal from 1992-2016 marked a defining period in our history.

“His contribution over those 25 years, both to our organisation and the wider Norwich and Norfolk arts sector, was extraordinary and its impact immeasurable.

“His lasting legacy, both visible and invisible, is profound and will continue to live on through the work of Norwich Theatre, the many other organisations that benefitted from his support, and all those that he inspired.”