Final curtain for dear Albert

 

 

Theatreland has lost a great fellow. Albert Hillier, sometime dresser to Warren Mitchell and other stars, has shuffled off to that great palladium in the sky.

Albert, as he was simply known, was the West End’s Mr Fixit, a one-man concierge desk for most of the big producers. If they suddenly needed a London hotel room or limousine, Albert would arrange it. If they needed a full auditorium for a gala night, Albert would ring round his contacts and make sure that the theatre was bursting to the scenes with appreciative playgoers.

'The whole industry used him but he never accepted any money from us,' says veteran producer Bill Kenwright. 

Last week, word went round town that Albert was in hospital, not expected to last the night. Alas, so it proved, but before Albert died the hospital ward’s telephone rang hot with calls from anguished stars. 

'Nobody knew how old he was but he was a fixture for more than half a century,' says Kenwright. 'Dear Albert was as much a part of the West End as Cameron Mackintosh or Andrew Lloyd Webber.'

Albert spent many years of his life raising money for various deserving causes including the Royal Variety Club of Great Britain. Whilst being a funny, gregarious, spiritited compassionate gentleman of the West End he was loved for his thoughtful nature and kindnesses (small and LARGE). He will be sorely missed.

While Albert was not a 'flowery' man, he always encouraged people to give to deserving causes and to this end with his family's blessing and involvement we have set up this webpage as a fitting tribute for all those who wish to remember dear Albert and all he stood for. Flowers die but the work that charities do carries on and on.

We are sure that where ever he is he is chuckling to himself.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. 

So please dig deep and donate now.