Youth theatre director dies suddenly at 57
‘Giant of a man’ was an inspiring teacher who was trusted and respected in equal measure
Friday, 18th March 2022 — By Anna Lamche
Andrew Harries. Photo: Ted Baxter
A YOUNG actors’ theatre has paid tribute to its artistic director following his sudden death – describing him as a “giant of a man, with a giant of a heart to match”.
Andrew Harries, 57, the artistic director of Young Actors Theatre Islington (YATI), died suddenly at his home at the end of last month after going into cardiac arrest.
Composer Simon Fraser, a long-term friend and collaborator, paid tribute to Mr Harries as an “exceptional director” who “wanted to share theatre in all its glory to as many people as possible. He had the gift of making all plays work in any shape or form.”
Jamie Lynch, the theatre’s development manager, said a pulmonary embolism – “a blood clot between his lungs and his heart” – caused Mr Harries’s death.
“He left the theatre at five o’clock, got home up the road, started working from home, and then couldn’t breathe. He called an ambulance and his partner came home,” Mr Lynch said. “It’s a shock how life can throw these things up.”
Mr Harries is survived by his long-term partner and fiancé Darren Star Buswell.
“Because of Andrew’s sexuality, he suffered a lot of prejudice in the 80s and 90s, and he transferred a sense of acceptance into the culture of this place, that no matter your creed, colour, sexuality or gender, you’re all treated with respect,” Mr Lynch said.
YATI students and staff pay tribute
Last Tuesday, the YATI community gathered to remember him. “Everyone’s taking stock,” said Joey Jarossi, 29, who joined the company as an eight-year-old, and has stayed with the theatre ever since, becoming a teacher in his early 20s.
“There’s been so much change here, but one of the few constants has been Andrew. He helped us find a platform and a home. That can be so valuable, especially when you feel like an outsider.”
He added: “Andrew’s ethos will continue. The family Andrew helped build is rallying together and supporting each other: there’s a renewed sense of life in the theatre.”
The building in Barnsbury Road has recently undergone a partial refurbishment. The new acting CEO, Paul Cartwright, was set to embark with Mr Harries on the next round of fundraising to complete the building work.
“It’s such a shame he won’t be here to teach and to direct in this building that he breathed so much life into,” Mr Cartwright said.
Mr Harries has been celebrated by his students as an inspiring teacher who trusted and respected his students in equal measure.
“He gave me the belief I could do anything,” said former student Kieton Saunders-Browne.
“He doesn’t get to see the next bit – it’s very sad he doesn’t get to see the building, he doesn’t get to see us grow, he doesn’t get to see the result. That’s what’s upsetting for me,”
Among teaching staff, Mr Harries will be remembered as an inspiring leader dedicated to boosting working-class participation in theatre.
“He was politically passionate and that infused every single production or class,” said teacher Eleanor Dillon-Reams. “His ethos was about making work that matters.”
