Karl Sydow is an award-winning stage and film producer, and one of the UK’s most successful theatrical entrepreneurs. 

Karl’s entry to theatre came when he set up First Call in 1985, which went on to become the UK’s largest live event ticketing company. He is currently the lead international producer of the hugely successful Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage  The record-breaking UK tours of Dirty Dancing have grossed over £250m and toured France, Italy, Australia, Germany, South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore, Denmark, Belgium and Norway. 

On Broadway, Karl's productions include The Seagull, All My Sons, American Buffalo and Our Country’s Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker (6 Tony nominations, NY Critics Award Best Foreign Play, Olivier Award Best Play) to name a few. 

Karl is currently producing Sting’s musical The Last Ship featuring Sting with seasons in Amsterdam, Paris, Brisbane and The Metropolitan Opera in NYC. 

Karl’s films include Unicorns, The Accidental Spy and  Red Joan and he is currently partnering with Trademark and Cambridge Pictures on several film projects. 

The Capital Theatre at Westfield, Shepherds Bush is Karl’s first venture in theatre building.