The City of London Corporation is delighted to announce that theatre entrepreneurs Dame Rosemary Squire and Sir Howard Panter have received the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of their contribution to theatre and the cultural life of London.

Dame Rosemary and Sir Howard – who were nominated by Lord Mayor of the City of London, Professor Michael Mainelli, and former Lord Mayor, Sir William Russell – attended their ceremony at Guildhall, watched by family members, friends, and colleagues.

Today, they join a distinguished list of luminaries from the fields of music and theatre to have received the Freedom, including Luciano Pavarotti, Tasmin Little, Sir Ian McKellen, Dame Judi Dench, Ed Sheeran, and Stephen Sondheim.

The Freedom of the City of London is believed to date back to the thirteenth century, making it one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies still in existence today and a unique slice of London’s history.

Rosemary and Howard, said: “We are truly honoured to receive the Freedom of the City of London and thank Lord Mayor Michael Mainelli and Sir William Russell, on behalf of the City of London Corporation, for nominating us. London has always played a hugely significant part in our personal and professional lives, and we adore this city, its rich culture, the people, the vibrant way of life, and of course, its world-beating theatre.

“From very early into our careers, we knew London held a very special place in our hearts. It was from here that we built from the ground up, two global theatre and live entertainment businesses, and we’ve spent our entire careers producing musicals and plays in the West End. London will always have our hearts.”

Lord Mayor of the City of London, Professor Michael Mainelli, said: “Howard and Rosemary are a much respected and formidable double act in the world of entertainment, having produced hundreds of wildly popular shows and owned several wonderful theatres. It is entirely appropriate that their outstanding achievements and contribution to theatre and our capital city’s cultural life are recognised by their Freedom awards today.”

Sir William Russell, said: “As a musical theatre lover and avid consumer of arts and culture, it is a pleasure to support the Freedom nomination for Howard and Rosemary who, today, found themselves in the spotlight and in front of an audience for their ceremony at Guildhall. In receiving this award, they follow in the footsteps of many hugely respected figures in arts and culture whose work enriches our lives.”

Photos: Dave Benett