A life in pictures: Ken Campbell (1941-2008)

Campbell studied at Rada and worked with Colchester Rep before forming The Ken Campbell Roadshow. He once remembered: 'I think people apply the word 'genius' to me so they don't have to give me a job. 'Oh God, we can't have him involved - he's a genius'' Photograph: Graham Turner

'I'm not mad, I've just read different books,' Campbell once explained. In the mid-70s, he formed the Science Fiction Theatre of Liverpool and also auditioned for the lead role in Dr Who Photograph: Eamonn McCabe

In 2001, Campbell presented his vision for a new national theatre at the ICA. 'My opening show would be on a Sunday,' he reasoned. 'It would be in the Olivier and it would be Ken Dodd' Photograph: Graham Turner

At home with his pet dog Fred in 2000. 'I'd call myself an optimist,' he once commented. 'I'm of a cheery bent. I think if one's insistent - as many influential people are - that things won't go well, one's going to make sure it doesn't go well, in order not to be proven wrong' Photograph: Martin Argles

In 2005, Campbell talked to the Guardian about his pet parrot: 'Parrots live for ever and she's nowhere near 10 yet, so she'll live way after me. At least I know my voice will carry on for a bit after I'm gone: 'I'm up 'ere, you're down there!'" Photograph: Eamonn McCabe