THE RECENT funeral of Alan Keith Marshall a much-admired actor and director – who passed away on the December 27 at his home in Halesowen – was attended by a large gathering of the local theatrical community paying tribute to one of their own.
It was a unique celebration with actors performing scenes from some of his acclaimed productions including The Tempest, Amadeus, Red Velvet and Hay Fever plus Bach and Strauss music played and sung by members of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Alan was born on September 1, 1946, in Hay Green Lane Bournville. He was the fourth child of Winifred and Samuel Marshall. Sadly, the two eldest sons died in infancy during the Second World War, but he is survived by an elder sister, Barbara.
Alan attended Princethorpe Junior and Infant School – he passed the 11+ and went to Bournville Grammar and Technical School – as well as playing first 11 in rugby, he was a choir member and, influenced by a charismatic teacher – much like the character Alan played in Alan Bennett’s ‘History Boys’ – he was taken to plays in London and the RSC and introduced him to the early days of the Crescent Theatre where he was to direct and perform for half a century..
Alan went to the City of Birmingham teacher training college, studying English and Drama. He always said that this was back in the halcyon days when teaching was a non-graduate profession and having a vocation and an ability to match a curriculum to the child rather than squeeze the child into a rigid curriculum was essential. Alan was a gifted and charismatic teacher, of course music and drama were central to his teaching.
Alan’s first teaching job was at Station Road School, Harborne, and, the stars aligning, there he met Jennet Beach, they became engaged in 1973 and married in 1975.
Alan moved to Colmers Farm Primary School and then to Yardley Wood Primary where he was deputy headteacher for 29 years. This was a school not without its challenges but Alan’s humour and ability connect with people contributed to a rich learning environment. Alan enriched the lives of the children in his care with trips to theatre and ballet, bringing in children’s authors adopting players from the CBSO, residential trips to Port Eynon and entering all the city dance and drama festivals. He became headteacher for a while until he retired in 2007. He loved and was loved by the children and staff alike.
In 1981 Alan and Jennet joined The Crescent Theatre. Alan appeared in 38 productions, he directed a further 36 and was costume designer for many more. His first production as director was Pinocchio in 1986, his last was Red Velvet in 2024.
As an actor Alan’s roles were many and diverse. He enjoyed playing comedy – the outrageous Captain Terri Dennis in ‘Privates on Parade’, Amos in ‘Chicago’, Professor Van – Helsing in ‘Dracula is alive and undead and living in Purfleet’ and more serious dramatic roles – Count Pierre in War and Peace, George 3rd in ‘The madness of King George’ and the title role in ‘King Lear.’
Alan saw a great deal of Shakespeare and many operas where the staging challenged the piece and sought contemporary resonance. Similarly, in his own directing Alan brought a wealth of imagination and a willingness to experiment to bear. His preparation was extensive reading around the play and designing the spaces and often the costumes he needed to bring his vision to life. In this, as in all things, he was supported by Jennet who often created those costumes. Alan’s production of the Tempest was one such piece. Against the elegant 19th century costumes he used a chorus of spirits who manipulated the action including swinging on the many ropes which dropped from the flys to create the storm.
Alan and Jennet became costume designers for Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Operas. Together they ensured that the students had a professional experience of being costumed and their contribution added greatly to the polish of the productions. There were many wonderful operas but some that were particularly notable were Cunning Little Vixen, Dialogue des Carmélites, Il Trittico, Mansfield Park and La Vie Parisienne. Alan and Jennet were popular with the students, not just because they knew they made them look good, but because they were unfailingly encouraging and supportive.
Away from all this theatre and music Alan, who lived in Halesowen, became more interested in the garden – especially enjoying roses. In 2024 Alan was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Sadly, it was a late diagnosis and already at stage 4/5. He was told it was incurable, but manageable with hormone treatment. Unfortunately, sepsis further weakened his defences and, after 16 months the disease gained the upper hand. Throughout, Alan maintained his unique sense of humour and positive outlook. He charmed all the professional health personnel that dealt with him who often commented on this remarkable attitude. Alan, with Jennet’s unfailing support was able to return home where he welcomed, carers, visitors and prepared for Christmas on his laptop. He listened to music of course, sending Jennet for a selection from the vast alphabetised CD collection.
The funeral celebrant and close friend, Michael Barry commented that Jennet thanked Alan for 50 years of love, companionship and fun and that Alan would want to say the same, adding that it was Jennet’s unfailing support and love that allowed him to be at home in the warm, positive and caring atmosphere she created.
Alan Keith Marshall September 1946 – December 2025
Obituary by Euan Rose.
