West End lights to dim for Donald Sinden

Lights on theatre marquees across the West End will dim at 7pm tonight in honour of much-loved actor Donald Sinden, who has died from cancer aged 90.

Sinden was known for his landmark productions in classical roles, including the RSC's Twelfth Night and Much Ado About Nothing opposite Judi Dench. He was an original member of the company, with current artistic director Gregory Doran today describing his "larger than life" personality as "Falstaffian in scale".

Doran said: "His last appearance on the RSC stage was a special performance in 2007, to mark the closing of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre before transformation. Sir Donald characteristically stole the show with the letter scene from Twelfth Night."

He was a West End regular, including his record-breaking run of 644 performances in The Heiress at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. He referenced this feat in his recent Sky Arts series Great West End Theatres, which was directed by his son Marc Sinden.

Marc said of the series: "It had been an ambition of his to get as many of his wonderful theatrical memories and anecdotes down on film to share with people, in and outside of our profession, who may have never heard his extraordinary tales of a hugely long career.

"Not many knew, for instance, that he was the last person living to have known Oscar Wilde's lover Lord Alfred Douglas (Bosie) and was one of only two people to attend his funeral.

"The breadth of his friendships, his love of serendipity and his hugely varied and very successful career as a Rank Organisation movie star, West End and television star and award-laden Shakespearean actor was probably unique in our business."

Donald Sinden was awarded a CBE in 1979 and knighted in 1997 for his services to drama.

Marc added: "Even though his death was expected, it is still a huge loss to his family and we, his brother, his son, his four grandchildren and great-grandchild will all miss his humour and knowledge and we would all like to share our appreciation for the Pilgrims Hospice and the carers that looked after him and us with such dignity, consideration and care until the end."