The world of theatre has lost a dedicated and passionate figure with the passing of Andrew Jarvis at the age of 78. An actor and drama teacher who devoted his life to the stage, Jarvis was particularly renowned for his deep commitment to performing the works of William Shakespeare. While he may not have achieved mainstream stardom, his contributions as a stalwart member of both the Royal Shakespeare Company and the English Shakespeare Company left an indelible mark on classical theatre.
A Career Rooted in Shakespearean Tradition and Innovation
Andrew Jarvis, affectionately known as Andy, began his professional journey with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1980. His early roles included appearing in productions such as Henry V, where he shared the stage with Kenneth Branagh in the title role during 1984. This period established his classical focus on Shakespeare's text, a foundation that would define his approach throughout his career.
In 1986, Jarvis made a significant move by joining the English Shakespeare Company, which was assembled by Michael Bogdanov at the Old Vic. This company was dedicated to reinterpreting Shakespeare's plays, often with a Marxist lens that emphasised their political contexts. As a self-described radical, Jarvis thrived in this innovative environment, embracing theatrical experimentation while staying true to the Bard's words.
Notable Performances and Awards
During his time with the English Shakespeare Company, Jarvis delivered several memorable performances. In the Wars of the Roses cycle, he portrayed Hotspur in Henry IV Part 1 from 1986 to 1987. His portrayal of the title role in Richard III from 1987 to 1989 earned him the prestigious Manchester Evening News award for best actor, a testament to his skill and dedication.
At the Old Vic, he also took on the role of Claudius in Yuri Lyubimov's reinterpretation of Hamlet in 1990. His versatility extended beyond Shakespeare, as seen in his portrayal of Elrond and later Gandalf in the musical adaptation of The Lord of the Rings at Drury Lane from 2007 to 2008, and a year-long stint as Arthur Kipps in The Woman in Black at the Fortune theatre from 2008 to 2009.
Early Life and Training
Born in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Andrew Jarvis was the son of Dora Handbury, a secretary, and William Jarvis, a headmaster. He attended Chesterfield Grammar School before pursuing teacher training at the College of St Mark and St John in Chelsea, west London, from 1965 to 1968.
After a brief period teaching English in schools, Jarvis wrote to repertory theatres across the country, seeking opportunities in theatre. In 1969, he was taken on by the Phoenix theatre in Leicester, where he served as an assistant stage manager and later as an actor. He often credited repertory theatre as providing the best possible training for an actor, a belief that shaped his later teaching philosophy.
Transition to Teaching and Later Roles
Following his extensive work with the RSC and ESC, Jarvis transitioned into education, teaching at Mountview Theatre School in Crouch End, north London. From 1997 to 2008, he served as the head of postgraduate performance courses, where he excelled in imparting theatrical techniques to younger actors based on his rich professional experience.
Despite his love for the stage, Jarvis occasionally ventured into film and television. He appeared in episodes of popular series such as EastEnders and New Tricks. His distinctive long white beard made him a natural fit for the role of Merlin in the 2014 film Dragons of Camelot. He also collaborated with renowned director Trevor Nunn, playing Polonius in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead and Gonzalo to Ralph Fiennes's Prospero in The Tempest, both at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, in 2011.
Personal Life and Legacy
Andrew Jarvis met literary critic Gillian Piggott in 1991, and the couple lived together in south London before moving to a rectory outside King's Lynn, Norfolk. In this setting, Jarvis founded the King's Lynn Shakespeare festival, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to promoting Shakespearean theatre. He even persuaded Sir Ian McKellen to perform a one-man show to raise funds for the development of St George's Guildhall.
Jarvis and Piggott married in 2017, and she survives him. His legacy lives on through the countless actors he mentored and the audiences he moved with his performances, cementing his place as a true champion of Shakespearean drama.
