Tony Tanner (1943 - 1948)

Tony was born in Hillingdon in 1932, the son of Herbert and Frances Tanner.  Whilst at Bishopshalt, he developed a passion for drama appearing as Puck in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ in 1947, and as Feste in ‘Twelfth Night’ in 1948.

On leaving School, he attended the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

In the 1950’s, he worked in British repertory companies and in the early 1960’s replaced Anthony Newley in ‘Stop the World I want to Get Off’.  He also played the part in the 1966 film version.

A chance to replace Tommy Steele in the lead role of the 1965 Broadway production of ‘Half a Sixpence’ took Tony to the United States.  His next roles on Broadway were a leading role in ‘No Sex Please, We’re British’ and ‘Sherlock Holmes.

In the 1970’s, he switched to directing and choreographing with the musical ‘Something’s Afoot’, followed by his direction of ‘A Taste of Honey’ which earned him a Tony nomination.  He also received two Tony nominations for his direction and choreography of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’.

He continued to act on stage, film and television, appearing in ‘Robin Hood: Men in Tights’ and ‘Return to the Batcave: The Misadventures of Adam and Burt’.

In more recent years, he wrote and performed a one-man play ‘Charlatan’ about Sergei Diaghilev and the Ballet Russes.  A tour of UK theatres marked his return to his home country after nearly fifty years.

Tony died on 8th September, 2021.