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British theatre producer Martin McCallum has died at the age of 73, the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) announced.

He died "peacefully surrounded by his family" on January 14.

"In Martin McCallum, we have lost an extraordinary individual who shaped the landscape of the theatre sector," Eleanor Lloyd, president of SOLT, said.

"His immense talent and expertise were matched only by his unwavering commitment to the arts. Martin will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come."Sharing the news on X, SOLT paid tribute to Martin who they branded a "visionary".

The Final Performance of Broadway's Long-Running Tony Award-Winning Musical© Getty

They added: "His significant contributions to the theatre industry will never be forgotten."

Meanwhile, the Donmar Warehouse said: "Our condolences to all those who knew Martin McCallum - the chair of our board from 1992 to 2003 - who passed away at the weekend. A hugely significant theatre producer, he worked alongside Cameron Mackintosh on many West End hits, and was a president of the Society of London Theatre."

Martin was born in Blackpool and became a production manager at the Old Vic Theatre, where he was under the mentorship of Laurence Olivier and managed productions including Harold Pinter's No Man's Land in 1975, with Sir John Gielgud and Sir Ralph Richardson.

He left the National Theatre in 1978 and later co-established The Production Office, which headed shows including Evita and Sweeney Todd.

Following his work on Cats, Sir Cameron employed McCallum as managing director and business partner where he stayed for 18 years - as well as three years as vice chairman, until 2003.

Martin also chaired the Donmar Warehouse for several years, as well as becoming president of SOLT for four years from 1999.

He is survived by his partner Gwynne and children Gabriel, Fabian, Amy, Toby and Sophie.