Gillian Lynne (1926–2018)

Gillian Lynne, née Pyrke, was born in Bromley, Kent, England. She began her career at age 18 in 1944 dancing with the Sadler's Wells Ballet (later known as the Royal Ballet). She later became a freelance dancer and film actress before moving into stage directing and choreography. She worked for decades helming productions in London's West End and on Broadway in New York.

She worked on television specials for performers from a variety of musical genres, including Ray Charles, Perry Como, and Petula Clark.
She also worked closely for many years with Andrew Lloyd Webber on some of his most famous works,

including the long-running "Cats" and "Phantom of the Opera."

After her death, Lloyd Webber renamed his New London Theatre as The Gillian Lynne Theatre, making it the first in London's theater district named after a woman.

Lynne received many honors for her years of theatrical work and was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2014. She was married to actor Peter Land for 40 years.