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Criterion Theatre

Sad News - Graham Fair
13th July

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the recent death of Graham Fair.

Graham joined the Criterion in 1969 although he had been a prominent part of the local drama scene in Coventry for a number of years before then.

Graham was a gifted, intelligent and charismatic actor. He always understood the character he played and could convey their words ands feelings to an audience like very few others. He had a distinctive voice, a great sense of timing and a powerful stage presence. He played a number of major roles at the Criterion during the 70’s and 80s giving memorable performances in Crime and Punishment, Edward II, Arsenic and Old Lace, The Ruling Class, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf ? Death Trap and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.

Graham was also one of our best directors and also turned his hand to set building on a number of occasions. He was a quiet, thoughtful and self effacing but when the mood took him could also be a great raconteur with a terrific sense of humour.

It was through the Criterion that he met and married Moira Gatehouse, another talented member of the Company, and they worked together in productions and made many friends until Graham’s job took the family away to Barrow-in Furness in Cumbria in the mid 1980s. They never lost touch with the Criterion and often returned to see plays, attend special events or to visit friends.

Over the last few years Graham had suffered increasingly debilitating health problems. Typically, he faced his illness quietly and courageously and in the end slipped away peacefully at home at the age of 75. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our sympathy, love and thoughts are with Moira and the family at this sad time.

Graham’s funeral will be held in Barrow at the Thorncliffe Crematorium on Monday 18th July at 10.45am. Family flowers only please. Donations if desired for St Mary’s Hospice should be sent Little & Caine, 10 Dalkeith Street, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 1SP.

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