Malcolm Farquhar, who was a leading figure in English provincial theatre, has died at the age of 95. Possibly his most significant contribution was as Director of Productions of the rep company at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham from 1971 to 1983, although had appeared there as an actor as early as 1949 when it was still the Opera House.

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of Nell Gifford – the co-founder, driving force and the visionary behind Giffords Circus. Her illness was well documented in the press as she believed in transparency and openness.

In a career spanning six decades Audrey was equally adept at comedy and serious drama, becoming a regular and popular character actor in rep at Bath’s Theatre Royal, Birmingham Rep, Cheltenham Everyman and Bristol Old Vic. In the 1980s, she worked at the National Theatre and appeared, in 1982 with Peter O’Toole in Man and Superman before making her final stage appearance at the Bristol Old Vic in 1985.

The death has been announced of Michael Napier Brown the actor, director, and playwright who was the chief executive and artistic director of the Royal Theatre in Northampton for over 20 years after having started his directorial career in Cheltenham. . . he decided to become a director and wrote to Malcolm Farquhar who was artistic director at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham . . .