Theatre director and playwright who became a campaigner for disabled people
In the 1970s and early 80s, Paddy Masefield, who has died of cancer aged 69, was one of Britain's most prolific playwrights, creating 30 performed works in 15 years. He also directed 75 stage productions, founded four theatre companies and ran Oldham Rep and the Swan theatre, Worcester. His consultancy reports included arts development strategies for St Helens, Lincoln and Peterborough, and he was described by Michael Billington in 1984 as the "doyen of arts consultants".
In 1986, aged 44, Paddy acquired a severe form of Me. He spent two years re-learning how to speak and used a wheelchair for the rest of his life. This led to a new career as a campaigner for disabled people in the arts. In a lecture in 1999, Lord Puttnam described Paddy's persuasive powers on the Arts Council lottery panel, and his absolute refusal to compromise over the question of...
In the 1970s and early 80s, Paddy Masefield, who has died of cancer aged 69, was one of Britain's most prolific playwrights, creating 30 performed works in 15 years. He also directed 75 stage productions, founded four theatre companies and ran Oldham Rep and the Swan theatre, Worcester. His consultancy reports included arts development strategies for St Helens, Lincoln and Peterborough, and he was described by Michael Billington in 1984 as the "doyen of arts consultants".
In 1986, aged 44, Paddy acquired a severe form of Me. He spent two years re-learning how to speak and used a wheelchair for the rest of his life. This led to a new career as a campaigner for disabled people in the arts. In a lecture in 1999, Lord Puttnam described Paddy's persuasive powers on the Arts Council lottery panel, and his absolute refusal to compromise over the question of...
- 7/24/2012
- by Allan Sutherland
- The Guardian - Film News
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