Theatre impresario Sir Cameron Mackintosh has paid tribute to the “unique and precious” managing director of his company after his death at 61.
Alan Finch, who had worked for Cameron Mackintosh Ltd since 2016, had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Sir Cameron said in a statement to the Press Association: “The heartbreaking premature loss of Alan Finch has been a terrible shock for everyone who ever had the good fortune of knowing him, both in and out of the theatre.
“Less than four months ago, a brilliant, wise and much-loved man looked to be in the peak of creativity, fitness and health and then pancreatic cancer took him away from both his beloved personal and professional families.”
Mr Finch started off as a teenager theatre electrician and met Sir Cameron when he was running Theatre Royal Plymouth.
He, alongside Jonathan Church, is credited with reviving the fortunes and reputation of the Chichester Festival Theatre.
When he joined Sir Cameron’s company, Mr Finch took a lead role in overseeing the reconstruction and expansion of the Victoria Palace Theatre in time for the UK opening of the musical, Hamilton.
He also presided over the expansion of the company’s global productions and the continual upgrading of all Sir Cameron’s theatres, and steered the company through the global pandemic, while the theatre industry was completely shut down.
Sir Cameron said: “Being almost 20 years my junior, naturally, the plan was for Alan (alongside my key executive directors across the world) to ensure that my theatrical legacy would seamlessly continue to operate under the auspices of my foundation for the benefit of future generations, once the final curtain inevitably falls on me.
“Tragically, God had other ideas.”
He continued: “Alan had many talents beyond his business acumen – most importantly he was a wonderful human being, naturally brilliant with people and a great communicator.
“He took an interest in every department in the theatre, from stagehand to leading actor, from the front of house staff to the director or designer; everyone mattered with Alan and that’s why his loss is so deeply felt by everyone who knew him.
Our hearts go out to his beloved wife, Alison, and his children, Katie and Tom, who have been simply extraordinary supporting him through this incredibly fast and difficult period.
“However, even as his body took the inevitable toll from the disease, his mind remained totally focused and rational, still dispensing invaluable advice.
“Till Alan left us he was our guide wanting to ensure that all the exciting plans he had discussed with us could still be carried out without him – and they will.
“His family, we and the whole theatre world have lost someone unique and precious, who learnt his craft during an amazing period of theatrical training and productivity that no longer exists in the same way.
“Thank you Alan, when tomorrow comes you will always be by our side. God bless old friend.”
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