The late, great Barry Cryer (1935-2022) would have been 90 on 23rd March. The comedian, a great friend of The Oldie, is being commemorated at his alma mater, Leeds Grammar School.
On 14th June, a new 350-seat, £4.7m theatre will open at the school – and will be called The Cryer in his honour.
Actor Bob Cryer, Barry’s son, says, ‘The Cryer family are all delighted, if not a little overwhelmed! It’s a great honour that we know Dad would have been very proud to accept. Although he would probably have blushed in the process, adding that he never really liked the term “national treasure”, as it sounded as if he’d just been dug up. He was, in his words, arrogant in his humility.’
Bob Cryer, author of Barry Cryer: Same Time Tomorrow? The Life and Laughs of a Comedy Legend, says his father’s time at the grammar school was crucial to his creativity:
‘You can see the signature playful, fun and silly nature of Dad’s comedy as coming from that time. I’ve always said he was childlike, not childish.
‘The fact that this generous spirit has been captured and rendered in stone to inspire future generations of creative souls, both on and off stage, is a tremendously comforting thought.’
A school spokesman said the theatre is a tribute to his versatility. Bob says, ‘Dad would have replied, “I’m not versatile – just confused.”’
