Cameron Mackintosh inducted into Broadway Hall of Fame

Sir Cameron began his career as a stagehand

Theatre impresario Sir Cameron Mackintosh has become the first British producer to be inducted into the Broadway Theatre Hall of Fame.

His award was presented at the Gershwin Theatre in New York.

His fellow inductees were actors Cherry Jones and Ellen Burstyn and directors Jerry Zaks and George C. Wolfe.

Sir Cameron said in a statement he was "deeply honoured", adding it was "one of the most satisfying, thrilling parts of my life and career".

He was unable to attend the event and his award was accepted by Robert Wankel

The Hall of Fame was founded in 1971 and annually honours lifetime achievement in the US theatre.

To be eligible for nomination, a theatre professional must have 25 years' experience on Broadway and at least five major production credits.

Among Sir Cameron's shows are the long-running productions Les Miserables, Cats and The Phantom of the Opera. He received the Tony Award for Best Musical as producer for all three shows.

His other shows include Oliver! and Miss Saigon.

Sir Cameron was knighted in 1996 for his services to musical theatre.

Designer David Hays and the late playwright Lorraine Hansberry were also inducted.

Hansberry, who died in 1965, was the first black woman to write a play performed on Broadway