It is very sad to hear of the death of the prolific Ayckbourn actor Russell Dixon.
Russell worked prolifically with Alan Ayckbourn in Scarborough between 1981 and 1987 and 2014 – 2019.
He appeared in the world premieres of 10 of Alan’s plays, as well as the premieres of several of Alan’s revues and adaptations and also performed in a number of revivals.
He originated the roles of Dafydd ap Llewellyn in A Chorus Of Disapproval (1984) and Gerald in Woman in Mind (1985) as well as many other memorable roles.
He first worked with Alan in Scarborough in 1981 playing the role of Uncle Bernard in Season’s Greetings before working consistently with the Scarborough company between 1982 and 1986.
He then joined Alan’s company at the National Theatre appearing in the world premiere of A Small Family Business (1987) and Alan’s critically acclaimed and award-winning revival of Arthur Miller’s A View From the Bridge (1987) at the National.
Following a rich and varied career on stage and screen – including working with the RSC – Russell returned to Scarborough in 2014 and appeared in 6 Ayckbourn world premieres over the next six years; the final role being Micky in the acclaimed world premiere of Birthdays Past, Birthday Present in 2019.
He was a hugely significant part of the Scarborough company during his 12 years with the company and appeared in 33 production at the Stephen Joseph Theatre between 1981 and 2019 including the world premiere of Tim Firth’s play Neville’s Island as well as all his work with Alan Ayckbourn.
He will be greatly missed.
The Ayckbourn Blog 
Very sad to read of the passing of Russell Dixon. I saw him on numerous occasions at the New Vic Theatre here in Newcastle-under-Lyme. I would see him in a local pub when he was staying in the area and enjoyed speaking to him, however briefly, concerning the film Liam, and of course his appearances in Alan Ayckbourn’s productions. A fantastic actor who will indeed be sorely missed.
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Russell was my father’s cousin, although we never got to meet in person. He was proud Barrow in Furness lad. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing and I’m proud that he continued his career until so recently.
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Russell used to stay with us whenever he came to Scarborough for a season. He was a total pleasure to have in our house and I can honestly say that we laughed ever single day. His performances were quite often unrecognisable as the Russell we knew day to day which is a credit to the quality of his acting.
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