Producer Sonia Friedman CBE has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the London theatre community.
The honour was presented at a ceremony at Mansion House, following a nomination by Dame Susan Langley, the first woman to hold the title of Lady Mayor of the City of London, and Deputy Keith Bottomley.
Accepting the award, Friedman reflected on her lifelong connection to London’s theatre scene.
“It’s an honour to receive the Freedom of the City of London, and I’m especially grateful to Dame Susan Langley, the City’s first ever Lady Mayor, for acknowledging my contribution to London’s theatres and for nominating me.
“London has always been my home. I saw my first play in the West End as a young child, and little did I know then that theatre would become my life. Over the years, I’ve worked in almost every West End theatre, from ushering to working as stage crew, dresser and stage manager, and for the past 25 years as a producer.
“The West End has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I’m immensely proud to stage the majority of my company’s productions here. There is nowhere quite like it. The West End is a jewel in London’s crown, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have played so many different parts in its story.”
Dame Susan Langley praised Friedman’s influence on the capital’s cultural landscape, saying: “London’s theatre is admired around the world, and Sonia has made an outstanding contribution to its success over many years.
“Her passion for theatre, commitment to new work and support for creative talent have helped make the West End the extraordinary cultural force it is today. I am delighted that we are recognising her achievements with the Freedom of the City of London.”
Friedman is one of the most successful theatre producers working today, with eight productions currently running in the West End, two on Broadway, and further productions staged internationally.
Through Sonia Friedman Productions, founded in 2002, she and her team have developed, initiated and produced more than 320 productions, earning over 74 Olivier Awards, 62 Tony Awards and three BAFTAs.
The company is currently developing, commissioning and supporting more than 30 new theatrical projects worldwide. In London alone, more than three million people have attended a Sonia Friedman Productions show this year.
More information can be found here.
