Theatres will dim their lights next week to pay tribute to actor and Theatre Royal patron Timothy West.

The star of stage and screen died this week at the age of 90, "with his friends and family at the end”, his family said.

London theatres will dim the lights for two minutes at 7pm on Tuesday, November 19.

Hannah Essex, co-CEO of the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre, said: “Timothy West was a true giant of our industry, whose talent, energy and versatility over an extraordinary seven-decade career put him at the very top of his profession.

"He was one of our finest stage actors, and we are proud to be able to pay tribute to him in this small way. We offer our condolences to his loved ones.”

Several venues have issued statements following West’s passing including the National Theatre where the actor's son Samuel is an associate artist.

Emma Suckling, head of development at the Theatre Royal, in Bury St Edmunds, said she was honoured to have the actor's support and friendship over many years and said the impact he had on the venue was "enormous". 

The actor was a leading part of the theatre's Royal Millions campaign between 2005 and 2007.

In addition, he has brought stage legends Dame Judi Dench and Sir Ian McKellen to perform in Bury St Edmunds and supported the theatre's ongoing fundraising events in his role of patron.

She added: "Tim has been the most wonderful patron. We most recently saw Tim when we celebrated our 200th birthday, when he came with Prunella, and his son Sam, to appear on stage for an evening ‘in conversation’ – a brilliant and warm evening of fun, laughter and conversation on our stage.  

"He hosted fundraising dinners, led tours of the theatre and also lent us his incomparable wisdom and wit, and for that we will be forever grateful."