This Vancouver-based production company takes its name (with founder Hugh Pickett’s blessing) from one of the city’s legendary promotion companies. Run by Bill Allman and Associate Producer Kathleen Gibbs, Famous Artists Ltd. has brought, among others, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Nylons and Will Millar (of the Irish Rovers) to stages in B.C.
The company is also the proud presenter of Ruth Nichol & Jeff Hyslop in the touring production of A.R. Gurney’s classic play, “Love Letters” and the Christmas musical, “Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen”, the company’s first foray into musical theatre! In 2020, Famous Artists Ltd. along with Grinke Creative brought the immersive theatrical experience “A Christmas Carol” to life in Vancouver’s historic Roedde House museum. Created with recorded voices, lighting design, and world-class projections, “A Christmas Carol” was built to accommodate Covid pandemic safety measures and delighted audiences with a story-driven walk through the home of the world’s most famous miser!
Bill Allman – Producer
As a “recovering lawyer”, Bill has written or co-authored eight feature screenplays as well as two series pilots. He also created and executive-produced two specialty cable television series, “Hot Pink Shorts” and “How Far Will You Go?” seen in the US, Canada and Australia.In 2012, Bill, along with writing partners, Kevin O’Brien and Alan Marriott, were pleased to see the BC premiere of their musical “Newer! Bigger! Better!” with further productions of this instantly popular show contracted for 2017. 2013 and 2015 brought the team further success with mountings of their instantly popular Christmas musical, “Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen”, at Presentation House in North Vancouver!An entertainment lawyer and adjunct professor of law at UBC, Bill has also found time in the last 25 years to be a concert promoter, theatre manager (the Vogue) and president of Theatre Under the Stars. He is no longer willing to move your piano.
Kathleen Gibbs – Associate Producer
Since she was dragged, kicking and screaming, to a performance of “Charley’s Aunt” at the age of 13, Kathleen has enjoyed a life-long love affair with live theatre. With a diverse, 30 year background in office and retail administration, Kathleen has extensive experience in communications, marketing, sales, presentation and organizational methods. Her passion for all things creative now joins with these skills as a theatre marketer and publicist and, in particular, in the role of Associate Producer for Famous Artists Limited. Kathleen is also the owner of Lasting Impressions Creative Services, which provides home staging, interior decorating, personal and professional organizing, special occasion decorating, wardrobe consulting, and personal shopping services, along with creating the Lower Mainland’s most sought-after corporate and personal gift baskets.