A charismatic actor and community stalwart has died at the age of 63 after a short illness. Peter Corrigan was well-known in the Havant area for his work at Bench Theatre, where he was both a director and thespian. Mr Corrigan, of Belmont Grove, Bedhampton, also fought for the views of residents as a member of Havant and Bedhampton Community Board. Born in Bradford, Mr Corrigan moved to the area in the early 1970s and taught for many years at Trosnant school in Leigh Park. By his retirement in 2007 he was deputy head of Waite End Primary School in Waterloovillle.
He joined Havant-based Bench in 1972, playing his first role in The Entertainer by John Osborne and directing his first production, The Happy Apple by Jack Pullman, in 1973. In the mid-1970s, he ran Langstone Children's Theatre touring plays into primary schools.
In June 1975, Peter played Captain Bluntschli in Shaw's Arms and the Man, and in August he married his leading lady, Ingrid.
They had two daughters, Zoe and Alice, and the whole Corrigan family has made a major contribution to the company. By general consent his crowning achievement as an actor was his performance of the title role in King Lear in April 1999.
Bench colleague David Penrose said: 'As an actor, Peter could play a wide range of roles, from high comedy to classical tragedy. He was always a dynamic presence on stage, with his wonderfully powerful voice and precise physicality. Whether it was celebratory comedy or dramatic intensity he was looking for, Peter has an ability to get right to the emotional heart of a role, drawing the audience into his performance. He was generous to work with on stage, with a charisma in performance that audiences loved. The Bench will always remember the big talent and the big laugh of Peter Corrigan'.
Colleagues remembered fondly how he would say to them 'if they leave the theatre with five clear images of the production in their heads, you've done half the job'.
Two years ago Mr Corrigan was a judge for a writing competition run by The News. He recently stood in the local election as the Liberal Democrat candidate for St Faith's ward in Havant. Havant Lib Dem leader Ann Buckley described him as 'an outstanding actor' who was 'highly regarded by all who knew him'.
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Since those who knew him have heard the news, they passed on their heartfelt thoughts. If you would like to add your memories and/or condolences to this page, please send an e-mail message (with your name) to our web assistant.
We are so sorry to hear this very sad news. Our thoughts and prayers go to the whole family.
L and B Downer
I did not know Peter very well, and in truth only met him on very few occasions. However, what stood out for me about Peter was his ubiquitous smile and sense of fun, his charisma, his presence. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
R. Goldsmith
Very sad news that still has not quite sunk in. Peter was a wonderful, warm-hearted, lovely man - and one of the most generous, welcoming people I have been lucky enough to work with...not to mention a fabulous actor (and his King Lear WAS superb). I loved my time with the Bench in the late 90s/early 00s - and Peter was genuinely a major reason for this. My condolences to his family.
M Hickman
peter you were a legend, a one off, you lit up the whole room with your physical presence and booming voice. i had such fun being in productions with you and being directed by you. you will be greatly missed. rip pete.
J Spencer
I read in the paper tonight about the passing of Peter Corrigan. This is so sad. Please could you pass my condolences to his family and the rest of the Bench Theatre. I didn't know Peter personally, but I have lost count of the number of Bench productions that I have seen him in. His performances were always a pleasure to watch.
R Pragnell
I am so sorry to hear the news ...he seemed larger than life itself. I have been following the unfolding of events from a distance but I am thinking of you all very much. Maybe the Bench could dream of a festival or competition named after him. It could be connected with some passion or role that he had..just a thought ...a fitting tribute to his celebration of life ...Thoughts, prayers and Best Wishes
N Ford
I was so sad to see the obit in The News. Peter gave me my first role at the Bench - I was Eva in Accrington Pals and he was a fantastic director as everyone knows... I had hoped to work with him again sometime.. but sadly that will now never be. My deep condolences to Ingrid and family. x
D Sharpe
Just found out the sad news, You were a legend as a teacher and a man.
J Plowman
A truly fabulous man - remembered with great affection by all of us who taught with him or were taught by him. Our thoughts at this very sad time are with his beloved Ingrid, Zoe and Alice.
M Campbell
There's a big Peter Corrigan-shaped hole in so many people's lives which we will never be able to fill. RIP, and we'll miss you.
J Hall
I will miss you mr corrigan, the years you teached me was fun and i just found out you passed away and im upset about it. You were a great teacher when you teached at waite end, i hate to think about that your not here anymore :'( you will be missed by a lot of people im so sorry :( love from leah and charlotte xxxx
C Dorey
You wil be sadly missed! you were a great person and a great teacher and thankyou for all you taught me it will stay with me until i join you xI have very fond memories and some great photos to remember you with x and we had lots of fun . We all loved you x x x x
T Martin
rip mr corrigan you was a great teacher after all these years you remembered me i was always there for me when i needed to talk to someone. All my love to family im so so sorry to hear the bad news xxx
M A Cole
RIP Mr Corrigan,you were and always will be one of the most amazing teachers I have ever had. You gave me and so many others a brilliant start in the educational journey. Cant believe you have gone,my love goes out to all of your family. Will remember you always,thankyou for every lesson you ever taught me in life and in school. At least now you are at peace xx
M Riou
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Rest in peace mr corrigan,fond memories as my teacher and sporting coach he was one of the best! I'm so shocked! My thoughts are with his family
P Wearn
Peter was always such a larger than life character who had a lasting impact on everyone he meet and worked with. Thank you Peter for your knowledge and wisdom. My thoughts and feelings are with Ingrid, Zoe and Alice at this very sad time. RIP Peter xxx
L Tandy
Very sorry to hear the sad news. Peter was a great teacher to have,I have very fond memories of him.My thoughts are with the family at this very sad time.R.I.P Mr Corrigan,you will be sadly missed xx
S Sparkles
Sorry to hear such sad news. I have Very fond memories working with Peter at Waite End. My thoughts are with his wife and family. Rest in peace Peter. Love Lisa XX
L Lale
sorry to hear the sad news, Mr Corrigan was a great teacher, deepest sympathies and thoughts to his wife, family and friends x
H Gardner
So sad to hear one of your teachers has passed away - Mr Corrigan gave me a great start and it was his enthusiasm that took a bag of ragamuffins and turned them into a great footballing side. deepest sympathies to all of his family in this sad time. Very sad news
D Macaskill
Sorry to hear the news about Peter he was a very much loved character and teacher (Trosnant School). My thoughts are with his wife and family xxxx
J and L Middleton
My sincere condolences, very sad news indeed. A true gent.
S Wilkins
Such sad news, i have very fond memories of Peter from my time with the bench in the mid 90's.. A genuine man who showed great affection, support and warmth to all around him... I will always remember him, my thoughts are with his family .x
G Harding
Terrible news. Peter was a lovely man who helped make my time in the Bench an enjoyable one. Always approachable and always welcoming. Our thoughts are with Ingrid and the family.
P Codd and J Bell
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This is terrible news. Peter was a fabulous man a true gentleman. I have wonderful memories of our times working together at Waite End Primary school where he was Deputy head. Our thoughts and prayers are with Peter's family.
C and S Cunningham
Don't quite know what to say except that he will be sorely missed!
M Hughes
So sorry to hear this sad news. With heartfelt condolences.
A Pressland and family
Taught me a great deal as a youngster on a stage and on the football pitch which I still remember today. Words are not enough, Thanks Mr. C
P Slight
Sincere condolences to his family, a great actor, a nice man, will be sorely missed. God bless you Peter ....
T Dart
So very, very sorry to hear this... a great person and a great loss to all who knew him
B Tooby
Very sorry to hear this news. Peter was a lovely man, very gentle, and a great actor. He was a great supporter of other Arts Centre groups. Our love and prayers to Ingrid and family.
P Jerome
Such sad news Peter was a true gent. Sending My prayers to his family. R.I.P Peter you will be missed by all who knew you xx
J Shiers
The last time I saw Peter was over 20 years ago. I was in the Bench from the start in 1969 and involved on/off during the 70s. We shared houses and did a lot together in various ways. A few days ago I wondered what he was doing now, and last night got round to putting his name in google. This came as a real shock. My thoughts are with Ingrid.
J Davis
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