My sympathy to you, Dido, on the loss of your colleague and friend.

Here is the Daily Telegraph obituary.

Here is a link that might be useful: Alan Plater

I was not knowingly familiar with his work, but now that I have read his obituary, I believe I have seen it acted more than once, especially the last two series mentioned, both of which I admire.
He certainly leaves a body of work that is laudable, and Dido, my sympathies on the loss of a friend.

Vee, thanks for putting up that link. I was hoping you would - I can't do 'links' and they are so useful.

The last time we saw Alan was after the launch of a new edition of Priestley's 'BRIGHT DAY' - launch was in the Houses of Parliament - very interesting. Lots of people there. We went for a drink with Alan and Shirley afterwards, together with Barry Crier - one of the funniest men I've ever met! We went into this utterly crowded pub, just at rush hour in London (oh migod!) and shared a seat - all taking it in turns to sit down) and had the time of our lives.

Dido

And thanks, Thyrkas and Cece, for your sympathy. He was a real writer.

I have been thinking about what a small world it is as Diana's bookmark is right now in my Bill Bryson book about the English language, and in looking up Mr. Plater's work I realized I have seen a fair amount of his work on television when I lived in England, long before RP existed. He will certainly be missed. It is so hard to lose good friends, much sympathy Diana. Those memories are priceless.

I'm sorry you lost a friend. I hope that his work will be long remembered.

Rosefolly

I have been enjoying the latest season of "Inspector Lewis" on our U.S. PBS television - of course we are very much behind the U.K., who saw these programs at least a year, maybe two years ago. I actually watch them on my computer as I don't have a TV, and I have been looking forward to each one becoming available at midnight on Sunday. I have seen Mr. Plater's name pop up at the beginning of some of these shows, and I know I am in for a treat. The subtle witty dialogue really raises the show above normal television fare, and I usually watch each one at least twice. I am sorry there will be no more, but I am glad that we have what we do.

Siobhan, his last ever play was on TV on Sunday - Jo Madison's War, set in Newcastle on Tyne (where Alan came from), during WW2. It might come your way soon.

D.