The Theatre Royal in Newcastle is among those paying special tribute to the "legendary" Paul O'Grady who was in the city just over two weeks ago.
The much-loved presenter and comedian starred as Miss Hannigan in hit musical Annie at the city centre theatre earlier this March and made a great impression upon staff and the audience alike. Wednesday morning's news of his sudden death has shocked and saddened fans and prompted a flood of tributes to the popular TV star and animal lover.
The Theatre Royal, where Annie recently had a run from March 7-11, joined those paying their respects. A spokeswoman said: "We are all extremely saddened to hear of the passing of legendary performer and presenter Paul O'Grady.
Read more: Moving tributes for 'nicest and kindest' TV star Paul O'Grady who was 'always a joy to be around'
"We were lucky enough to welcome him to our theatre earlier this month where he played the role of Miss Hannigan in Annie. He was such a bright presence on and off the stage and our thoughts are with his husband, family and friends."
Chroniclelive's review of the show at the time described him as "utterly brilliant in the role of the gin-swigging, little-girl-hating Miss Hannigan, determined to spoil – and profit from – Annie’s search for her parents with the help of her criminal brother and his moll". The reviewer added: "Quite rightly, he got the loudest cheers of the night at the end of the production."
Following his city visit, the 67-year-old host of For the Love of Dogs and owner of a menagerie of pets, shared sad news that he had returned home to hear that one of his pets, pig Tom Tom, had been put to sleep while he was away.
The Annie The Musical show, in which O'Grady earned widespread rave reviews, earlier tweeted that it is "stunned and saddened" by his passing". The tweet called him "an incredible Miss Hannigan and an irreplaceable, hilarious and generous person who we will all miss immensely".
Among theatregoers responding to the Twitter news was one who said: "Absolutely devastating. We were fortunate enough to see him in Newcastle this month. A true legend who will never be forgotten. Thank you for a lifetime of laughs." Another wrote: "He was a wonderful man and a fantastic entertainer."
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