Kyle Birch, West End star of A Strange Loop, dies aged 26

London musical star Kyle Birch has died aged 26, his agents have confirmed.

Birch spent the summer of 2023 covering and then taking on the lead role of Usher in A strange loop at the Barbican Theatre. Additional credits include The color purple on tour and Once on this island at Southwark Playhouse. Birch returned to Southwark Playhouse to star earlier this year I’ll marry you, Tobey Maguire, while he also appears in the Bat boy Concert at the London Palladium on Halloween 2023.

In a statement, Birch’s agents at Russell Smith Associates said: “On behalf of Kyle’s family, I am heartbroken to announce that my dear friend and client Kyle Birch passed away on the evening of Monday, December 2, 2024. My thoughts and our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones at this deeply difficult time.”

The statement continued: “Kyle was a truly remarkable talent with vocal abilities that could move audiences to tears.” His voice was not just beautiful – it was soulful, powerful and deeply resonant, capable of conveying emotion , which remained in the memory long after the last note. But beyond his artistic abilities, Kyle was the most tender and loving man I have ever had the pleasure of working with, a gentle and kind-hearted soul whose warmth made every interaction special. I loved him. He had a beautiful smile that could light up any room, a presence that lifted spirits, and an energy that inspired everyone around him.”

A cause of death was not announced.

A fundraising page to cover the costs of Birch’s funeral can be found here.