Desmond Barrit (born on 19 October 1944 in Morriston, Swansea, Wales, UK) is a Welsh actor, best known for his stage work.

Biography

An early screen role for Barrit came in Alice through the Looking Glass (1998), in which he played Humpty Dumpty.

In 2003, he played Shylock in the Chichester Festival Theatre's production of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, while in 2007 he appeared in The History Boys at Wyndham's Theatre portraying the general studies teacher, Hector, made famous by Richard Griffiths in the film version.[1]

In 2004, in a limited-run revival of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at the Royal National Theatre Barrit played Pseudolus opposite Philip Quast as Miles Gloriosus, Hamish McColl as Hysterium and Isla Blair as Domina (who had previously played Philia in the 1963 production).[2] The production was nominated for the 2005 Olivier Award, Outstanding Musical Production.[3]

In January 2007, he played Raymond Clandillon in Midsomer Murders Season 10, Episode 7 - "They Seek Him Here". On 7 July 2008, he took over the role of The Wizard from Nigel Planer in the West End production of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Originally set to begin 9 June, his performance had to be postponed as he had to undergo an operation.[4]

Beginning 12 December 2011, he returned to Wicked, reprising his role of the Wizard, taking over from Clive Carter. He ended his third return engagement with the show on 7 July 2012 (four years after his debut), and was replaced three weeks later by Keith Bartlett.[5]

In 2014, he appeared as Michaud in Helen Edmundson's adaptation of Therese Raquin at the Theatre Royal, Bath.[6]

References

  1. ^ Rees, Jasper (31 December 2007). "The History Boys: The school trip of a lifetime". London: The Telegraph online. Retrieved 31 July 2008.[dead link]
  2. ^ Inverne, James. "Thoroughly Modern Millie Closes in London as New Musicals Prepare to Open". Playbill, June 7, 2004, accessed December 25, 2016
  3. ^ "Olivier Winners, 2005". olivierawards.com, accessed December 27, 2016
  4. ^ "Desmond Barrit to Join Wicked in June". Broadway.com. 24 March 2008. Archived from the original on 1 April 2008. Retrieved 25 March 2008.
  5. ^ "London's Wicked Will Welcome a New Wizard This Summer - Playbill.com". Archived from the original on 1 June 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
  6. ^ "Thérèse Raquin | Main House at Theatre Royal Bath | Theatre Royal Bath". Archived from the original on 23 February 2017. Retrieved 23 February 2017.
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