Phil Bagley
It is with great sadness that we announce the death, at the age of 70, of Phil Bagley.
Phil had been a member of the Criterion since 1969 and worked on 77 productions. Beginning as a set builder and sound operator, he was quickly promoted to Duke of Norfolk (in ‘Richard III’ ) which was speedily followed by another leading Shakespearean role, that of Horatio in the 1970 production of ‘Hamlet’.
Phil went on to play other major roles including Sir Toby Belch (‘Twelfth Night’), Inspector Goole (‘An Inspector Calls’) and Father in ‘A Voyage Round My Father’, and was greatly valued by directors for his intelligent and sensitive portrayal of characters, as well as for his sense of humour and comic timing. His love of comedy was witnessed in his portrayal of Henry Hobson in ‘Hobson’s Choice’ and Barney Cashman in ‘The Last of the Red Hot Lovers’. Another memorable performance was as the charismatic rebel Randle McMurphy in ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’.
While continuing to build and design sets throughout the 70’s and 80’s, Phil also turned his hand to directing. His production of ‘Educating Rita’ with Jean Firth and John Withers was a notable triumph.
Although the demands of work and family life meant he had less time to get involved in productions, he and Isabel retained their links with the theatre and even the cruel onset of Parkinson’s Disease did not deter him from regular visits to Earlsdon to enjoy a drink and a chat with old friends in the bar.
In spite of his illness Phil continued to gain great pleasure from his passion for photography, and he held an exhibition of his work at the Criterion to raise funds for the charity Parkinson’s UK.
Our deepest sympathy goes to Isabel ; his children Alison, Jill and Ian; grandchildren Sophie, Elizabeth, Caitlin, Holly and Fraser; son-in-law Richard and daughter-in-law Sue.
Phil's funeral will be held on Wednesday 22nd November at 12 noon in Cannon Hill Chapel, Canley Crematorium.
Family flowers only, by request. Donations if desired to Parkinson's UK and Myton Hospice.