Tribute from Nagle Jackson

Nagle Jackson, Playwright and Director

I first saw Tony in an RSC production at Stratford of Timon of Athens (ages ago) where he appeared with Paul Scofield who preceded him in death by just a few days. Scofield was shameful; he phoned in the performance (a matinee). I was so disappointed but this Tony Church guy was interesting. The next day I saw him in The Jew of Malta and he was terrific. Imagine my surprise and delight when many years later I found myself having the audacity to direct him! What fun we had in You Never Can Tell and Travels With My Aunt, The Quick-Change Room and two of my own plays, The Elevation of Thieves and Taking Leave. I wrote Taking Leave with Tony's voice in mind and he surpassed my wildest expectations. What a joy and what a privilege to have known and collaborated with this genuine man of the theater. "There's a great spirit gone".