Covent Garden mourns a show-saving director
mainSingers are lamenting the death of Richard Gregson, a revival director who saved many a night from collapse. Richard would be listed modestly in the programmes as assistant director, or revival associate director, but he was so much more.
Rosalind Plowright writes: ‘I remember him waving directions at me from the wings on the night that I jumped in to replace Katia Riciarelli as Aida. (June 1984) It was my first encounter with the great Pavarotti… Despite Richards frantic gestures from the side of the stage there was very little I could do with the legendary tenor in our scenes together . He definitely decided that evening to park and bark (in the grand sense of the phrase). and in the end, despite Richards directions I just had to improvise as best I could. None the less, I will never forget his support that memorable night.’
John Copley adds: ‘Very very sad news of dear Richard Gregson. He was such a wonderful associate and kept my Boheme in great form for many years. Bless him and RIP to such a gentleman.’
Richard was a marvellously talented man, who not only kept shows on the main stage at the Garden – but was a mainstay of the ROH Education and Outreach program, devising presentatons which toured all over the country, It’s hard to imagine his energy and infectious enthusiasm will be no more. RIP, a true professional.
A lovely man and a great asset to the ROH.
You knew you were in safe hands when working with him.
RIP. dear Richard.