Desmond Barrit (1944 - 2026)

Everyone at the Pavilion is devastated to learn of the passing of Desmond Barrit, a true force of British theatre and our friend.

Desmond Barrit

Des directed professional pantomime at the Pavilion for nearly 20 years, forming OhYesItIz Productions alongside Helen McDermott and Ian Westbrook to help keep professional panto alive in small theatres.

He was also no stranger to the Pavilion's stage, notably reprising his National Theatre role as Hector in The History Boys to raise funds for the theatre, as well as appearing as pantomime dame in both family and adult productions.

Alex Youngs, Chief Executive of the Gorleston Pavilion Trust said of Des' passing "Des was a towering icon of British theatre and absolutely loved his role in supporting small theatres, acting as patron for both the Pavilion and Sheringham's Little Theatre.

"As an Olivier Award-winning actor who worked at the National Theatre and across TV and film, the team were always humbled by his generosity and his grounded, down-to-earth nature. He was an absolutely formidable presence, and we were privileged to have known him.

"Our love goes out to Byron, Helen and all who knew him. He will be sorely missed."

The Pavilion will be gathering photos and memories of Desmond and all of his previous pantomime productions in an online archive as part of their 125th anniversary celebrations.