David Ian’s move to SFX – 25 years ago in The Stage

This week 25 years ago (October 12, 2000), The Stage reported on leading West End producer David Ian’s appointment to the helm of SFX, then “the world’s largest venue operator”.

“Ian, who co-produced hits such as Grease, Saturday Night Fever, Doctor Dolittle and The King and I, will immediately oversee the creation of a significant new production division at SFX,” we wrote.

“The move is a clear indication of the US entertainment giant’s ambition to become a big player in presenting large-scale shows in the West End and the rest of the country. 
“Recently, SFX’s rivals the Ambassadors Theatre Group and Really Useful Theatres appointed Robert Cogo-Fawcett and André Ptaszynski respectively in specialist posts to oversee programming and product.

“Ian has been appointed by SFX – also the largest theatre operator in the UK – in a similar role, but will head 25 venues. Four of these are in London. 

“He said: ‘It’s very exciting for me. The combination of the resources of SFX – the product and the buildings – makes the job everything I could have dreamed of. The potential is limitless and it is good for the industry.’ 

“Responsibility for the venues will be shared between Ian and SFX’s UK chairman Sam Shrouder in the new theatre division, but Ian alone will head its production wing.”

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