Michael Blakemore, venerable theatre director, dies aged 95

The double Tony-winning director staged acclaimed productions by Michael Frayn, Peter Nichols and many others in the West End and Broadway

Michael Blakemore, the actor turned theatre director who staged plays by Michael Frayn, Peter Nichols and many others over a lengthy career, has died at the age of 95. His death on Sunday, after a short illness, was announced on Tuesday by the talent agency United Agents.

Blakemore directed acclaimed productions in the UK and the US over six decades. He was born and educated in Sydney, married the English actor Shirley Bush and arrived in London to train as an actor at Rada, where he graduated in 1952. He performed in rep around the UK but after a dozen years or so decided to concentrate on directing and staged work at the Citizens theatre in Glasgow where he had also been an actor.