THE Centenary Theatre Company is set to dedicate their next production of Annie to the memory of Warrington-born Hollywood actor Tim Curry, who has sadly died aged 80.
Many of their rehearsals and production meetings have involved mentioning and at times, rewatching some of his scenes in preparation and he was a massive source of inspiration for the local amateur dramatic society.
Dan Grimes, Chairman of Centenary Theatre Company, released the following statement:”It is with great sadness that Centenary Theatre Company has learned of the passing of the legendary actor Tim Curry.
As a Warrington-born star, his connection to the local area makes his passing devastating for our members. His career, spanning over five decades, was a testament to his talent as an actor. His stage work as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show to unforgettable screen performances in Annie, Cluedo, It, Home Alone 2 and Muppet Treasure Island. He was adored by generations of fans for his wit and charm.
“We are well into rehearsals of Annie and Cluedo, both of which contain performances made famous by Curry. Many of our rehearsals and production meetings have involved mentioning and at times, rewatching some of his scenes in preparation. He was a massive source of inspiration for us and always will be.
“In recognition of his immense contribution to the world of theatre, Centenary Theatre Company will be dedicating our upcoming performances of Annie in November to his memory.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the countless fans around the world who will miss him dearly.”
As reported by Warrington Worldwide yesterday, Curry, who was a former pupil at Lymm High School, died at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday night aged 80.
Curry was born in Grappenhall on April 19, 1946, when the village was still outside Warrington’s boundaries. Grappenhall subsequently became part of the Warrington borough in 1974.
His route to international fame began on the stage.
After studying drama and English at the University of Birmingham, Curry joined the original West End production of Hair in 1968.
It was through the London theatre scene that he met writer Richard O’Brien – a meeting which would transform both their careers.
In 1973, Curry originated the role of Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show, creating a character which would become one of the most iconic performances in musical theatre and cinema.
He reprised the role for the 1975 film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Frank-N-Furter subsequently became a cult cultural phenomenon.
But Curry was far more than Rocky Horror.
His career included major stage performances in Amadeus, The Pirates of Penzance, Travesties and Spamalot, for which he played King Arthur on Broadway and in London’s West End. He received multiple Tony and Olivier Award nominations during his theatrical career.
On the big screen, he became particularly renowned for playing flamboyant and often sinister characters.
His credits included The Lord of Darkness in Legend, Rooster in Annie, Wadsworth in Clue, Captain Hook in Muppet Treasure Island and roles in The Hunt for Red October, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Scary Movie 2.
