Gillian Lynne Theatre Legacy Key Presented To You-Ri Yamanaka

14 May

Gillian Lynne Theatre Legacy Key Presented To You-Ri Yamanaka

May 2026

*You-Ri Yamanaka with Peter Land at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in Drury Lane, London*

The centenary celebrations of Dame Gillian Lynne continued with a special event at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, bringing together leading figures from across the theatre industry for an evening to honour her enduring legacy and contribution to British theatre, made even more poignant as it was taking place in the very theatre that was the first home to CATS and on the show’s 45th anniversary.

Inspired by the original Key to the Theatre gifted to Gillian when the theatre was renamed in her honour, the Legacy Key has been created as a new ongoing tradition at the Gillian Lynne Theatre - passed from one movement director or choreographer in residence to the next, recognising the artists who continue to shape storytelling through movement on this stage.

The newly established Legacy Key was presented to Movement Director and Choreographer, You-Ri Yamanaka, by Gillian’s husband, Peter Land, for her work on My Neighbour Totoro, the award-winning RSC production currently playing to packed audiences.

My Neighbour Totoro tells the captivating story of sisters Satsuki and Mei, who discover a magical world of spirits, sprites and other mischievous creatures as they adjust to a new life in the Japanese countryside. Perhaps it’s all a dream… or perhaps they really are best friends with a giant, playful protector of the forest named… Totoro!

Presented as part of her centenary celebrations, the Legacy Key initiative honours Gillian’s lasting impact on theatre choreography and the generations of creatives inspired by her work.

The evening began with friends, collaborators, performers and Lynne and Land Foundation Award recipients viewing a specially created film about Gillian that now forms part of a permanent installation within the theatre. The film gives an insight into her career and is interspersed with personal messages from many well-known colleagues, including Andrew Lloyd-Webber, Judi Dench, Michael Ball and Cameron Mackintosh.

*Isabel Moore performing the White Cat Solo*

This was followed by special live performances from Gillian Lynne’s iconic CATS choreography, featuring Isabel Moore who performed the White Cat Solo, and Lucy May Barker, with Chrissie Cartwright, performing the prelude to Memory, accompanied on piano by Peter McCarthy.

Guests attending included Dame Darcey Bussell, Dame Arlene Phillips, Fabian Aloise - recent winner of the Gillian Lynne Olivier Award for Best Choreographer - as well as young emerging artists supported through the Foundation’s work. The celebration formed part of the wider Gillian Lynne Centenary programme taking place throughout 2026, honouring a career that helped redefine movement and storytelling on the modern stage.

The support and help of LW Theatres and LW Entertainment is gratefully acknowledged in the production and organisation of the evening’s event and the 2026 Centenary Celebrations.