The local theatre community are mourning the death of actor and writer Chris Harris, the star of yearly pantomimes at the Theatre Royal in Bath, who sadly passed away this week.
Chris Harris, on the right, most recently played Governess Gertie in Peter Pan at Christmas
Best known in Bath for his performances at the Christmas pantomime, Harris died at the age of 71.
Chris was born in Bridgwater, and trained in acting around the world at locations such as Paris, Prague and Moscow.
His work included famous one-man shows, as well as seasons at the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Bristol Old Vic and the Salisbury, Lincoln and Worthing Reps.
He starred on television a number of times, including appearances in Tobias and the Angel, The Virtuso, The Magical Mystery Tour and Hey Look That’s Me.
A statement by the Theatre Royal said: “It is with great sadness that we learnt on Wednesday evening of the passing of Chris Harris, a friend of the Theatre Royal Bath for many years.
“Our thoughts are with Chris’s wife and family at this very difficult time.
“In his 13 consecutive years as director and performer in the Theatre Royal’s much loved traditional pantomimes, and in his acclaimed one-man shows, Chris gave joy to audiences far and wide.
“Chris had a wonderful personality, a great sense of humour and a heart of gold. He never failed to make time for fellow performers who needed support or advice, audience members who wanted to meet him, and theatre staff who popped by to see him for a chat.
“As well as being a consummate professional, Chris was an exceptionally kind and generous man who will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by staff and audiences at the Theatre Royal”
Jon Monie, a comic actor who worked closely with Mr Harris during the pantomimes at the Theatre Royal, said: “Chris was an absolute genius onstage and a true gentleman offstage.
“Generous, professional, warm, nurturing and, of course, very very funny. He was my hero. I will miss him immeasurably.”
