I first met Tony Haygarth at the Traverse theatre, Edinburgh, when I was assistant director there. He was an amazing presence on stage and had the most extraordinary vocal range. I have never encountered an actor who could speak with such a cooing voice.
Once, we spent a weekend in Liverpool together. He wanted me to experience the joys of his city, but we got so drunk I can’t remember much of the trip, more’s the pity.
He never seemed to have the price of a drink in those days. He would seduce you into lending him the cost of a round, on the promise he would pay you back “tomorrow”. The last fiver I lent him was the last, I said, until he repaid it. Now I’ll never get it back.
