PANTOMIME legend Chris Harris, who died on Wednesday April 30 at the age of 71, will be “sorely missed”

by his wider family in the arts in Somerset, say friends and colleagues.

Best-known and loved for his pantomime career, both as director and dame, Harris wrote, performed and directed at the Theatre Royal in Bath and Bristol’s Old Vic. Born and bred in Bridgwater, his pride in Somerset ran deep.

Di Dean, of Somerset Fellowship of Drama, which recently hosted its County Drama Festival, said: “It was a pleasure to work with Chris and I feel very privileged to have known him.

“He will be desperately missed by so many people.”

Former Taunton Thespian, Pam Harris, said: “While people remember him for his panto, he really was an all rounder. He knew how to get the best out of people, and was very down-to-earth, very talented, and very warm.”

Brian Cresswell, founder of the Taunton Association of Performing Arts, said: “The visit to Theatre Royal, Bath, was a regular feature for our family.

“In one pantomime he either was or uttered the immortal name of “Nurse Nellie” which that has stuck with all of us ever since, and has become common currency whenever some medical treatment was required. Happy Days! “Thank you Chris Harris.”

Clare Brimble, Jack in the Wayfarers Pantomime Society’s Jack in the Beanstalk, said: “Chris was an inspiration within the theatre world; a talented man who had a passion for giving back to the local groups."