Guiding our Imaginations

BY MARIAN DIAMOND
I first met Linda when we did a T.V. play together. She introduced me to Tony and later to Simon, a solemn 10 year old film buff. Since then I've been friends with them all, not just as a family but with each one individually.

I did a radio play for Tony in Birmingham and later a play at the Orange Tree, Richmond which was such a happy and creative job. I don't remember him ever imposing as a director, always only waiting for and guiding our imaginations to give our own interpretations. Later Tony gave classes at the British Drama League to young students from abroad who were studying Theatre Direction. He used, as actors for these classes, those of us who had worked for him and were his friends. He asked us to do this and we did so with pleasure. It was interesting working for these young budding directors and watching Tony give a masterclass at the same time.
Then Tony was made Head of Drama at Capital Radio. He was to start with a season of Shaw plays in which he could cast the leads from any Names he chose. But "Have a look at The Lady" he said "In Androcles and the Lion". I spent some time looking but couldn't find her. Eventually I realised he meant The Lady and he was asking me to play Lavinia. No snobbery or ranking for Tony - if he believed in your work.
And then there was his loyalty as a friend. My mother and he were friends and we would visit us for a lunch of cream cheese sandwiches and dry white wine. He went on doing so as she became more frail with Alzheimers. "I like her" he said, and before he went to The States he visited her one more time "to say goodbye".

I later visited him in the States with some friends and watched some classes and saw a play he directed at Tufts. It was a beautiful Fall and a magical holiday. I've seen him since he returned to London, both well and ill but always Tony. I shall miss him.