Ted Craig: Champion of New Writing Dies at 86

Ted Craig, for more than 25 years the artistic director of the Warehouse theatre in Croydon, has died aged 86. An Australian who arrived in Britain in 1979, Craig transformed the venue into a significant platform for new plays.

He founded the International Playwriting festival, which launched the careers of writers such as Kevin Hood. During his tenure, the theatre also staged the successful musical comedy series Dick Barton - Special Agent.

Craig navigated constant financial challenges at the intimate 100-seat venue. The theatre faced insurmountable difficulties when Croydon council withdrew funding in 2012, leading to the building's demolition.

Despite these setbacks, Craig established a new company, Warehouse Phoenix, and continued his work. The final playwriting festival occurred in 2016. He was working on a production in Cyprus at the time of his death.