Tributes to 'free-spirited' theatre director (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Tributes to 'free-spirited' theatre director

8:20am Saturday 8th May 2010 in News By Laura Nesbitt

TRIBUTES have been paid to well-known Bridgwater theatre director Brian Buttle, who has died of cancer, aged 67.

Mr Buttle, who passed away on Sunday last week after a four-year illness, was an accomplished theatre designer and director whose creativity and passion brushed off on hundreds of people during his 30 years of teaching.

Mr Buttle was educated at Westover School and started his love affair with the stage with the Bridgwater Amateur Operatic Society.

He then trained, and later taught, at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, before forming his own scenery company, Easy Stages.

Frances, his wife of 45 years, told the Mercury: “Brian had a thirst for life, which didn't diminish even though he knew his life was going to end. Although it slowed him up, it did not stop him.

“We always looked very positively, even though we knew time would get us in the end.”

Despite his illness, Mr Buttle continued to work in theatre, finally directing the hugely successful Assassins at Bridgwater Arts Centre in February this year.

The dedicated family man had an encyclopaedic knowledge of steam trains, was drawn to the glamour of 40s and 50s films and was a Charlie Chaplin buff.

He deeply loved his home and sons Keith and Matthew, who “adored their father and are very proud of his achievements,” according to Frances.

She added: “Brian was always generous, always. He was thoughtful, very affectionate and had a wonderful sense of humour. He was a nice, level person and so kind and was definitely a free spirit.”

n MR Buttle's funeral service will be held at St Mary's Church in Bridgwater on Friday at 1.45pm. The family have asked those who attend not to wear black.