What happened to Michael Blakemore?

Renowned stage director Michael Blakemore has passed away at the age of 95 after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades of groundbreaking work in the theater world.

Born to Conrad Howell Blakemore and Una Mary Litchfield in Sydney, Australia, Michael Blakemore initially embarked on a path in medicine. However, his destiny led him into the theatrical realm when he became a press agent for Robert Morley in 1949. Acting on Morley’s advice, Blakemore set sail for London, where he honed his craft as an actor at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

Over 12 years, Blakemore built a successful acting career, making his professional debut at the Theatre Royal and gracing the stages of the Birmingham Repertory Company, Stratford’s Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, and Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. However, by the mid-1960s, he shifted his focus to directing, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter in his career.

Blakemore’s directorial journey commenced at the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow, where he helmed several productions that garnered acclaim from both artists and audiences. His popularity soared, leading to his appointment as co-artistic director of the Citizens Theatre in 1968. Notably, his production of Peter Nichols’ “A Day in the Death of Joe Egg” achieved international success, earning him his first Tony nomination when it arrived on Broadway in 1968.

A longstanding rivalry with Peter Hall, dating back to their time together in the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1959, marked a tumultuous period in Blakemore’s career. His discontent with the situation led to his resignation, only to emerge undeterred and refocused on directing at the Royal Shakespeare Company. Collaborating extensively with playwright Michael Frayn, Blakemore directed numerous productions, including the wildly successful “Noises Off.”

In 1980, after being overlooked for the artistic director position at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, Blakemore returned to the National Theatre with Frayn to direct “Copenhagen.” The play’s immediate success further solidified his standing on the commercial circuit.

Michael Blakemore’s remarkable journey, marked by resilience and artistic brilliance, will be remembered as a defining chapter in the annals of theater history. His contributions to the stage and his profound impact on the theatrical landscape will continue to inspire future generations of artists.